Emmitt Smith, one of the most revered figures in Dallas Cowboys history, hasn't held back in his recent criticism of the team's management. The 55-year-old former running back, who has been retired for nearly 20 years, has expressed his frustrations publicly, particularly focusing on the handling of key players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
A Franchise Under Fire
Smith's discontent stems from what he perceives as a series of managerial missteps. His most pointed commentary is centered on Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' franchise quarterback. Prescott is currently playing under the final year of his contract, a situation Smith finds untenable. "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 remarked.
The criticism doesn't stop at Prescott's precarious contract situation. Smith also took issue with the current holdout of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb due to contractual disputes. "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 argued. Indeed, Lamb's absence places a noticeable strain on the team's offensive dynamics.
Changes in the Roster
This offseason has been tumultuous for the Cowboys. CeeDee Lamb's holdout is just one aspect; the team has also let Tony Pollard go via free agency and is leaning heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott. Brandin Cooks has been brought in as the Cowboys' No. 2 wideout, but whether this will be enough to patch up the holes remains to be seen.
Management and Performance Gaps
Smith's criticism mirrors the frustration of many Cowboys supporters who have seen the team fall short of expectations for over two decades. "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 lamented.
He also pointed to what he senses as a fundamental disconnect within the organization. "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?" questioned Smith.
Assessing the Road Ahead
Smith's concerns are more than just nostalgic rants; they are grounded in what he sees as systemic issues that need immediate resolution. "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," he noted.
Whether the Cowboys' management will heed these pointed criticisms remains uncertain, but the pressure from a legendary figure like Emmitt Smith adds weight to the voices of dissatisfied fans. The next steps the team takes could very well determine whether they can break their two-decade Super Bowl drought or continue to underperform in critical moments.
For now, the eyes of the football world—and particularly those of Cowboys die-hards—are trained on how the management will navigate the challenges ahead.