Emmitt Smith Criticizes Cowboys' Handling of Key Players
Emmitt Smith, one of the iconic figures in Dallas Cowboys history, has expressed his frustration with the team's management, particularly their handling of quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb. The Hall of Fame running back, now 55 and retired for nearly 20 years, has voiced concerns over the Cowboys’ reluctance to offer contract extensions to their star players.
Concerns Over CeeDee Lamb's Contract Situation
Smith believes that the Cowboys' hesitancy to extend Lamb's contract is detrimental to both Lamb and Prescott. Currently, Lamb is holding out, which only exacerbates the team's lack of depth at the receiver position, save for their No. 2 wideout, Brandin Cooks. "He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. He is a very, very valuable asset to Dak Prescott," Smith stated. "Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable." By not ensuring Lamb's presence on the field, Smith argues, the team is unduly burdening Prescott.
Impact on Dak Prescott
Smith’s remarks highlight a broader concern within the team dynamics—quarterbacks excel when surrounded by quality talent. Prescott, who is playing under the final year of his contract, has yet to receive an extension offer from the Cowboys. The lack of assurance for Prescott, much like the situation with Lamb, places the team’s success on shaky ground. Smith noted, "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."
Relying on Limited Resources
The Cowboys’ decision-making in terms of player personnel also comes under scrutiny. The team has parted ways with Tony Pollard via free agency, leaning heavily on running back Ezekiel Elliott. This move, combined with the dearth of depth at wide receiver, puts immense pressure on fewer players to deliver peak performance. According to Smith, these decisions are reflective of a larger misalignment within the organization.
Smith’s Critique of Organizational Alignment
Beyond the individual player controversies, Smith perceives a systemic issue within the Cowboys' organization. "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. For fans and former players alike, the recurring disappointments have led to a palpable sense of fatigue. Smith urges for a comprehensive reassessment, offering, "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?"
A Call for Swift Action
Smith's critique is not just a reflection on past performances but a call to action for meaningful changes. He emphasizes the disconnect he perceives between the Cowboys’ mission and their operational decisions. "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 stressed.
The Cowboys have not clinched a Super Bowl title in over two decades, a glaring statistic for a franchise with such a storied history. As the team grapples with these internal and external pressures, Smith’s words serve as both a warning and a rallying cry for better alignment between the front office and the football team.
The coming months will reveal whether the Cowboys can address these internal rifts and create a cohesive strategy that benefits both their star players and the broader team. Fans, perhaps more than anyone, are eager to see if these changes will finally break the cycle of disappointment.