(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 22: Former Dallas Cowboys player Emmitt Smith looks on prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
It has been more than two decades now since Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith suited up for the team in Dallas, but there’s still no doubt that he has kept a critical eye on the team for which he helped win three Super Bowls. And there’s also no doubt that he is not all that impressed with what he’s seen through the first half of the season.
Like most observers of the Cowboys, Smith sees the defense as the problem. That’s not anything all that new or unique–the Cowboys are the second-worst defense in the league in points allowed (277) and yards allowed (3,577).
But what’s different about Smith is that he is not really holding back on assigning blame for what’s gone wrong with the Cowboys defense. he is the rare former star who is calling out the problem directly.
For Smith, the Cowboys’ issue has been defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Smith spoke with the USA Today site Cowboys Wire, and it was clear he has not been impressed by the former Bears head coach, who is returning to Dallas, where he had been the linebackers coach from 2011-17.
“Man, do we look like we are completely lost,” Smith told Cowboys Wire. “I am befuddled at all of the things that are going wrong on the defensive side of the ball. We look very basic and very fundamental. And very amateurish, if you will. Nothing sexy about it. And still the mistakes are being made, which is to me is a sign of poor coaching, defensively.”
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus of the Dallas Cowboys
Of course, Eberflus defenders out there–we presume there are a few–would point out that the Cowboys are now on their third defensive coordinator in three years, which is not an ideal recipe for building a defense.
The Cowboys also traded away Micah Parsons before the start of the season, and lost valuable veteran DeMarcus Lawrence. With injuries, too, the talent level dipped.
But Smith’s not really buying that.
“It can’t all be about players,” he said. “You have to start looking at coaches at some point, and every coach is not a genius. And every defensive coordinator is not a brilliant defensive coordinator or a great schemer. Some people hide behind some of the greatness of the people that left before them, and then when their time has come up, they’re nowhere near the caliber of coach that they thought they were.”
Now, the Cowboys do have an opportunity to change the defensive narrative, now that they’ve made the trades for lineman Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson. They also have DeMarvion Overshown returning and will soon figure out of rookie Shavon Revel can help them.
The players, then, are getting better. But for Smith, it might well be the coach who is at fault.
“When I think about our defense right now, I know these guys are working hard. I’m not questioning that,” Smith said. “I know they’re trying, but I don’t know if the coaching or the personnel is there for them to do the things that they’re doing. … That’s part of the challenges that teams face when they rotate new coaches in and old coaches out.”
Los Angeles, CA – College football star Shedeur Sanders has always been known for his on-field leadership and remarkable talent, but his recent comments about pop superstar Taylor Swift have taken fans by surprise. Sanders, who has garnered attention for his sports achievements, opened up in a recent interview about his admiration for Swift, particularly when it comes to her natural beauty.
In a candid moment, Sanders was asked about his thoughts on the multi-talented artist, and he didn’t hold back. “Taylor is just stunning. She’s not just talented, but her beauty shines through in everything she does — especially when she embraces her natural look,” Sanders said, referring to a viral moment where Swift shared a picture of herself without makeup. “That no-makeup moment really showcased her true elegance. It’s not often that you see someone so confident and comfortable in their own skin, and that’s what I really admire about her.”
The image Sanders referenced showed Swift in a relaxed, makeup-free moment, exuding confidence and authenticity, which resonated deeply with fans and sparked a conversation about self-love and embracing natural beauty. Sanders, who has built a reputation for his grounded personality both on and off the field, found inspiration in Swift’s ability to be vulnerable and real with her fans.
“It’s refreshing to see someone in the spotlight just being themselves. Taylor’s natural beauty is a testament to how powerful it is to be authentic,” Sanders continued. “I think that’s something a lot of people can relate to, especially in an industry where there’s so much pressure to look a certain way. She’s a true role model.”
Swift’s down-to-earth approach to her public image has long been a source of admiration for fans, and Sanders’ praise only adds to her growing influence as a cultural icon. Her “no-makeup” moment highlighted not only her physical beauty but also her confidence and strength, qualities that resonate deeply with her fans, including Sanders.
With both stars navigating their high-profile careers with grace, it’s clear that Swift’s impact extends beyond her music, leaving an impression on a wide range of people, including athletes like