Emmitt Smith, a hall-of-fame running back and an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has not hesitated to voice his discontent with the management of the organization he once led to glory. Now 55 years old and nearly two decades into retirement, Smith has turned his gaze towards the current dilemmas facing America's Team, particularly focusing on the handling of franchise players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
CeeDee Lamb's Holdout
The situation around CeeDee Lamb has become a sticking point. The star wide receiver is currently holding out due to contractual issues, a scenario that forces fresh strains on the Cowboys' offense. As the team's No. 2 wideout, Brandin Cooks, tries to pick up the slack, Lamb's absence places undue pressure on Prescott.
Smith didn't mince words when describing the gravity of Lamb's holdout. "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 asserted.
Prescott's Final Contract Year
Adding to the complexity, Prescott is playing under the final year of his contract, a scenario that traditionally breeds uncertainty in any NFL locker room. Smith elaborated on the greater implications: "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's frustration is palpable. The Cowboys, long lauded for their rich history and once-dynastic success, have floundered in recent years. Over the past two decades, playoff disappointments have become a recurring theme. “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.
The Running Game: A Shifting Strategy
The Cowboys' release of Tony Pollard via free agency complicates matters further. With Pollard departed, the team is now leaning heavily on Ezekiel Elliott to anchor the run game. While Elliott remains a formidable talent, whether he can shoulder the increased workload and provide the necessary balance to the offense is a significant question mark.
Call for Organizational Assessment
Smith's critique extends beyond the on-field shortcomings. He is calling for a comprehensive organizational review to address the broader issues that have plagued the team for years. "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 queried.
“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 added, emphasizing the urgency of rectifying the prevailing issues.
As the Cowboys continue to navigate these choppy waters, the voice of one of their all-time greats serves as a stark reminder of the standards and aspirations that once defined the franchise. Emmitt Smith’s observations are not just grounded in nostalgia but in a keen understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a winning culture. The clock is ticking, and for the Cowboys, the time to act is now.