At Super Bowl LIX radio row, Van chats with NFL legends Emmitt Smith, the all-time leading rusher, Andrew Whitworth, a sturdy offensive tackle, Deuce McAllister, a Saints star, and current linebacker Demario Davis. They dive into the Cowboys' coaching dynamics and the challenges Dak Prescott faces. An amusing debate erupts over Louisiana's culinary traditions, plus insights on NFL alumni tackling obesity. The conversation wraps with thoughts on leadership, legacy, and the evolving landscape of college football, emphasizing health and financial literacy.
Emmitt Smith advocates for a defensive-minded coach for the Cowboys to enhance toughness and correct the offensive line's deficiencies.
Concerns about Dak Prescott's performance stem from an offensive scheme misaligned with his strengths, suggesting he requires a more supportive system.
The Cowboys' brand strength is overshadowed by their recent lack of on-field success, highlighting the need for a championship-focused strategy over mere branding.
Deep dives
Dallas Cowboys' Coaching Approach
The Dallas Cowboys recently appointed a new head coach, and opinions differ on this choice. Emmitt Smith believes that the team should have prioritized a defensive-minded coach to instill toughness and improve their offensive line, which he feels is still lacking. He points out that while there may have been successful branding and ticket sales, this has not translated into actual success on the field. Smith emphasizes the need for the organization to reconnect with its foundational vision and aims for a balanced offensive strategy to support quarterback Dak Prescott effectively.
Dak Prescott's Leadership and Potential
Concerns have been raised about Dak Prescott's future with the Cowboys, with some fans losing faith in his abilities. However, Emmitt Smith argues that Prescott has not been placed in favorable circumstances, as he lacks the authority to adjust plays effectively. The offensive strategy currently seems misaligned with Prescott's strengths, particularly as he is not suited to run plays typical for RPO quarterbacks. Smith believes that with the right support and system, Prescott can still be a successful leader for the team.
The Legacy of Rushing Records
Emmitt Smith holds the all-time rushing yards record with 18,355 yards, and he acknowledges that it may remain unbroken due to the current emphasis on passing in the NFL. He reflects on the hard work and alignment required to achieve such a record and expresses a sense of fulfillment if someone eventually breaks it. Smith contends that while some players like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley show promise, the overall commitment to rushing the football has diminished. He humorously exaggerates his own potential in today’s game but emphasizes the need for consistent running strategies to enable future running backs to succeed.
The Dallas Cowboys Brand versus Winning
The Cowboys boast a highly valuable brand, yet their success on the field has not matched their market standing in recent years. Emmitt Smith believes that winning should take precedence over branding in evaluating the team's direction. He posits that the organization could become even more valuable if they secured additional Super Bowl victories. Highlighting Jerry Jones’s ability to innovate in branding, Smith stresses the importance of balancing financial success with achieving championship dreams to ensure the franchise's long-term legacy.
The Evolution of College Football Dynamics
Emmitt Smith speaks about Coach Prime's prospects in college football, highlighting the unique challenges that come with coaching adult players as opposed to younger athletes. He appreciates the mentoring role that college coaches can play but recognizes that the professional level demands a different approach due to players' financial independence. Smith underscores the evolving landscape of college football, exacerbated by factors like the transfer portal and NIL deals, which complicate recruitment and team stability. He suggests that the ongoing changes could greatly benefit programs that adapt swiftly to these new dynamics.
While at Super Bowl LIX radio row, Van sat down with the likes of Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith (0:00), LSU great Andrew Whitworth (14:20), and a pair of legendary Saints Deuce McCallister (24:49, and Demario Davis (35:58).
Host: Van Lathan
Guests: Emmitt Smith, Andrew Whitworth, Deuce McCallister, Demario Davis