Emmitt Smith, the legendary former running back of the Dallas Cowboys, remains a prominent voice when it comes to his former team. At 55 years old and nearly two decades into retirement, Smith hasn't shied away from expressing concerns about the current state of the franchise—particularly regarding its handling of key players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Smith's Concerns About Player Management
Smith recently criticized the Cowboys' management, focusing on their treatment of franchise quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. "He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. He is a very, very valuable asset to Dak Prescott. Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable," Smith said, highlighting Lamb's absence due to contractual issues.
The legendary running back believes Lamb's holdout is forcing an undue burden on Prescott, who is playing out the final year of his contract. "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 added. His remarks underline a pressing concern: can Prescott carry the team without the reliable support of one of the team’s top receivers?
CeeDee Lamb's Holdout
Lamb's holdout, stemming from contractual disputes, leaves a noticeable void in the Cowboys' offensive lineup. With Brandin Cooks stepping in as the No. 2 wideout, the pressure mounts for him to perform under heightened expectations. However, Smith’s comments suggest that the current setup might not be sufficient to deliver consistent results on the field.
Dak Prescott's Uncertain Future
Prescott’s tenure with the Cowboys is teetering on uncertainty. Playing under the final year of his contract, the quarterback faces a pivotal season. Smith voiced his frustrations at the team's recent decision-making, shifting the focus to the higher-ups within the organization.
Evaluating Management Decisions
"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," Smith remarked, capturing the sentiment of a fan base that has witnessed multiple seasons of unmet expectations. Smith suggests a fundamental reassessment within the Cowboys’ hierarchy. "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?"
Decades of Discord
The Cowboys have not captured a Super Bowl title in over two decades, an era spanning much of Smith’s post-retirement life. His remarks reflect a broader skepticism about the alignment between the franchise’s mission and its on-field execution. "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," Smith noted.
The Running Game and Free Agency Moves
Adding to the list of controversial decisions, the Cowboys opted to let running back Tony Pollard go via free agency, leaving Ezekiel Elliott to shoulder the bulk of the rushing duties. This shift marks another point of contention, as reliance on Elliott will be a crucial test for the Cowboys' offensive strategy moving forward.
As the season progresses, the Dallas Cowboys will have to navigate these internal and external pressures, addressing contractual issues, player performance, and management decisions that could define their trajectory. Emmitt Smith's pointed critiques are not just a reflection of disappointment but a call for a renewed vision that aligns with the rich legacy of this storied franchise.