NFL Legend Emmitt Smith has quietly sounded off on what he thinks the Dallas Cowboys must to get over the Super Bowl hump. The NFL’s All-Time Leading Rusher believes he has what it takes to help the Cowboys to the next level.
Smith was one of the most outspoken players during his time with the team and was not afraid to speak out during their three championship seasons. Leading up to Sunday’s Super Bowl which once again will not include his Cowboys, Smith hoped to use his voice to explain what changes it will take to get Dallas back. He sat down with Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan and discussed his plans if he were in control of the ship.
“Until the Cowboys hire me as General Manager, I don’t think they’re gonna win another Super Bowl,” he said with a laugh.
“My first move, right now, I would try to solidify — matter of fact, improve upon our offensive line and our defensive front. Those two areas definitely need to be solidified because of some of the holes we’ve had last year on the offensive line — guys getting hurt. We have some guys that are great players, but their bodies are not holding up so we need to have some solid backups.”
Via the Dallas Morning News transcription, Smith went on to elaborate the importance of having a solid defensive line and the impact of getting pressure up front.
“On the defensive front, we need to get more pressure on the quarterback. I know the change in our defensive style last year kind of hurt us a little bit. Dealing with COVID also set us back, but that is no excuse.”
Smith understands a thing or two about having impactful players on the defensive line. During his time with the team, he played with Pro Bowlers like Charles Hayley, Leon Lett and Tony Tolbert. Haley went on to be selected to the NFL Hall of Fame, and Lett and Tolbert would go on to spend a majority of their career with the Cowboys.
While Haley was not drafted a Cowboy, Lett and Tolbert were both selected by the team in the later rounds of the draft. Lett was selected in seventh round of the draft, while Tolbert was selected in the fourth. Smith believes that in order to have strong defensive players, it all starts in the draft.
“At the end of the day, I’m looking for guys that when they’re drafted by the Dallas Cowboys they know what to expect. I don’t have to tell them. They should walk in knowing that this is an area of greatness. And greatness is what’s required by each and every player that we draft. And we’re going to set a culture.”
Just like his teammates from back in the day, Smith believes it all starts with a winning culture.
“A culture of belief, that we are the best, we’re going to play like the best, prepare like the best, and we’re going to go out and compete every day like we are the best.”
The Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy will have to get to work in rebuilding the team in this mold, even if Smith isn’t handed over the reigns.
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