Emmitt Smith, an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has never shied away from voicing his opinions about the team he once led to greatness. At 55 years old and nearly two decades removed from his playing days, Smith remains a keen observer of the Cowboys' operations, offering pointed criticisms of their current management style. Recently, Smith's focus has been on the handling of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, two key players whose situations could significantly impact the team's performance this season.
Concerns Over Player Management
Smith has not minced words in criticizing the Cowboys' management, particularly regarding their approach to Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Lamb is currently holding out due to contractual issues, a situation that Smith finds particularly troubling. "He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. He is a very, very valuable asset to Dak Prescott," Smith emphasized. "Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable."
Prescott, the franchise quarterback, is playing under the final year of his contract, adding another layer of complexity to the Cowboys' roster decisions. Smith believes that the organization is failing to set Prescott up for success. "He should be in a position, as your franchise quarterback, he should be in a position to be successful. And right now you putting him behind the eight ball. And that is not right," Smith argued.
Recent Roster Changes
The Cowboys have made several significant roster changes recently, including letting Tony Pollard go via free agency and leaning heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott. Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks has been elevated to the No. 2 wideout position. These moves reflect a broader strategy that Smith feels has not yielded the desired results, as the team has not won a Super Bowl in over two decades.
A Call for Organizational Assessment
Smith's frustration extends beyond individual player management to encompass the entire organizational structure of the Cowboys. "Over the last 20-some odd years, watching our team get to the playoffs time and time again, being told that we're going to do better. This is going to be a Super Bowl year for us. And we just get completely let down," he lamented.
He believes that a comprehensive assessment of the organization is overdue. "We have to try, as an organization, we have to go and do a complete assessment in terms of the organization itself. What is our mission? And how does our mission align with the football team?" Smith questioned. "On the surface we would think everything is in alignment. But to me, I think there's a little disconnect there. And we need to resolve that fairly quickly because 20-some odd years, man, that's a long time."
As the Cowboys navigate another season without a Super Bowl win, the voices of legends like Emmitt Smith serve as a poignant reminder of the high stakes and immense pressure that come with being part of one of the NFL's most storied franchises. His critiques, though pointed, come from a place of deep loyalty and an unwavering desire to see the Cowboys return to their former glory.