Stephen A. Smith has intensified his criticism of the Dallas Cowboys following their disappointing 23-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, a result that dropped the team to 2-4.
The ESPN personality questioned owner Jerry Jones’ continued faith in Dak Prescott, arguing that the quarterback hasn’t delivered enough postseason success despite receiving a record-breaking contract.
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Dallas’ latest loss was particularly frustrating because Green Bay offered several opportunities for the visitors to fight back. Packers receivers dropped three potential touchdown passes, while the defense entered the contest without key players, including Micah Parsons.
Nevertheless, Green Bay established a commanding 17-0 halftime lead and secured the victory at Lambeau Field.
Prescott completed 34 of 54 passes for 258 yards, but his two interceptions proved costly, with both ending promising drives in Packers territory. Dallas also struggled to establish its ground game, recording just 48 rushing yards on 15 carries.
The offensive imbalance raised further questions about the coaching staff’s approach, particularly with the team continuing to depend heavily on its passing attack.
“Time and time and time again, [Jerry Jones] he puts the ball in Dak Prescott’s hands in key moments. And time and time and time again, they have come up short,” said Smith.
“There’s only two playoff victories in ten years as a starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Danny White has a better playoff record than Dak Prescott… Tony Romo’s got a better playoff record than Dak Prescott. Tony Romo, who, by the way, got two; his record is two and four.
“Why do we know that? Cause Dak is two and five. I give you $60 million, and you still can’t find a way to win damn playoff games.”
Cowboys’ struggles raise questions about Prescott and Schottenheimer
Prescott’s four-year, $240 million contract, signed in September 2024, has only intensified scrutiny following disappointing performances. However, the problems extend beyond the quarterback.
Smith labelled Dallas’ run defense the worst in the league, and the Cowboys entered Week 6 surrendering 168.4 rushing yards per game.
The offense hasn’t helped matters. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens struggled to produce consistently against Green Bay, while Dallas attempted 54 passes compared with just 15 rushing attempts.
That approach has fueled concerns about the team’s offensive identity and play-calling under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Prescott accepted responsibility after the defeat, acknowledging that the offense hadn’t done enough to secure victory. Schottenheimer also admitted that both players and coaches needed to improve.
Dallas has scored only 29 points across its last two games, while Prescott has thrown four interceptions during that span.
Despite the disappointing start, executive vice president Stephen Jones publicly backed Schottenheimer, insisting that he retained the confidence of ownership. The coach acknowledged his frustration but maintained that the team had the personnel to turn things around.
"I think at the end of the day, I'm focused on the process of turning this around for myself, the players," Schottenheimer said Monday.
"Certainly not good enough. We're disappointed with where we're at. We know we need to play better. We know we can play better. And I think at the end of the day, we've got the right guys to do that."
Dallas now faces a crucial divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 26.