Stephen A. Smith is not known for handing out praise to Jerry Jones, which made his latest assessment of the Dallas Cowboys stand out. During a recent discussion on ESPN’s First Take, Smith argued that Jones has done his part by assembling a roster capable of competing at a high level.
The longtime analyst went a step further, saying the Cowboys should win the NFC East. His comments shift attention away from front-office decisions and place the spotlight squarely on whether Dallas can meet the expectations attached to its talent-rich roster.
Stephen A. Smith gives Jerry Jones credit
Smith opened his comments by joking that he was waiting for Dallas to suffer a “crash landing.” He then explained why he believes the roster deserves more respect. Smith said he recently met Jones and came away convinced that the Cowboys owner has completed his main job.
“I think [Jerry Jones has] done his job. …”Smith said during First Take. “The Dallas Cowboys should win the NFC East!”
Smith pointed to George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb as one of the NFL’s best receiving duos. He also called Dak Prescott a top-10 quarterback and said the criticism of Prescott has gone too far. Smith praised Quinnen Williamsfor earning a contract extension after a strong season.
He also noted that Dallas bolstered its front seven by acquiring edge rusher Rashan Gary and linebacker Dee Winters. On defense, Smith mentioned Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams as additions who could make the unit better. He still admitted that the secondary remains a concern, while Micah Overshown’s return could help if he is healthy.
Smith’s view stands out because he has often questioned the Cowboys’ decisions. This time, he argued that the personnel gives Dallas enough talent to lead the division.
Expectations now sit with the Cowboys
Smith did not present the Cowboys as a perfect team. He warned that a strong roster could still collapse under pressure. However, he said Dallas should be the favorite in the NFC East and could rank among the conference’s top three teams.
He expects the Cowboys to win 12 or 13 games. That forecast gives Mike McCarthy’s team little room for excuses if the season falls short. The offense must turn its receiving talent into steady production, while the defense needs to answer the questions around the secondary, an area Dallas is hopingrookie safety Caleb Downs can help stabilize right away.
The standard is equally high for defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who faces immediate pressure to integrate the team’s new pieces, includingveteran additions like Kenny Clark up front.
Smith’s prediction creates a clear standard for Dallas. If the Cowboys fail to win the division, the conversation may move away from roster construction and toward coaching, execution, and the players themselves.
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