The Dallas Cowboys are the biggest “brand” in the NFL … Perhaps in all of sports.
Some may argue why that is, considering all the lack of success they’ve had. But the numbers speak for themselves – and every week, all eyes are on the Boys.
With that type of attention comes plenty of everything … Die-hard fans and bandwagon fans … Critics and downright haters.
One of the most well-known instigators and agitators in the media is undoubtedly ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. He knows all the buttons to push and few can get under fans’ skin more than Stephen A.
His connection to Philadelphia combined with his hatred of the Dallas Cowboys created a perfect storm last Sunday when the Eagles took down the Boys 28-23 in what was a classic NFC East showdown.
Stephen A. took in the game from a private suite at Lincoln Financial Field. Following the game, he couldn’t help but poke fun at “America’s Team” and their fans.
“Those Cowboys fans are like COCKROACHES … A nuclear bomb can drop and some of them survived. I know that they didn’t want to see this video of me right now, and that’s why I made it,” Stephen A. said.
How Bout Dem Cowboys pic.twitter.com/dW9EIdT9c4
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 6, 2023
“You thought you were going to do it, but then an offside penalty, another penalty, an incomplete pass, and there you have it, you lost the game – and as a result and all likelihood, you lost your chances at the division crown,” he gloated.
In an earlier video posted during the game, he celebrated the Eagles 28-17 lead while surrounded by exuberant Eagles fans…
Checking in! pic.twitter.com/pM88oxw0K2
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 5, 2023
During an edition of ESPN’s “First Take,” Stephen A. did give credit to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott for the way he battled…
"I don't think this is the day for me to say, 'It's on Dak.'"@stephenasmith isn't placing all of the blame on Prescott for the Cowboys loss 👀 pic.twitter.com/VQ1P2wTtyl
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 6, 2023
However, fellow personality Shannon Sharpe expressed his disappointment in Prescott and the Cowboys, emphasizing that games like that require everyone to step up and play their best.
In other words, games like that are where you separate the men from the boys (no pun intended).
“These are the moments that we’ve asked Dak to rise to the occasion in moments like this, against teams like this,” Sharpe said.
.@ShannonSharpe believes the Cowboys should be discouraged by their loss to the Eagles:
"These are the moments that we've asked Dak to rise to the occasion. … Why would you be encouraged? You LOST!" pic.twitter.com/PiHmEvgQv1
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 6, 2023
Prescott is truly one of the most polarizing players in the league. The opinions on him range greater than pretty much everyone else – especially at the quarterback position.
One of his biggest supporters is ESPN analyst Ryan Clark, who despite the disappointing loss, sung Dak’s praises….
“This is what we’ve been waiting on for Dak Prescott, and if you’re Stephen A. Smith, you felt like you were going to get the monumental fall that you’re always waiting on,” Clark said.
“What we learned is that Dak Prescott can show up in championship moments … That Dak Prescott isn’t going to be the reason this team doesn’t have an opportunity to win a ring.”
"What we learned is that Dak Prescott can show up in championship moments. That Dak Prescott isn't going to be the reason this team doesn't have an opportunity to win a ring."
—@Realrclark25 pic.twitter.com/QDL9J9lU0i
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 6, 2023
At 5-3, the Cowboys are still in the thick of things in the NFC playoff picture.
Facing the severely-wounded New York Giants on Sunday, all eyes will once again be on Dak and the Cowboys to not show any slip-up.
What is your opinion on Prescott?
Is he truly a franchise quarterback?
Will he ever be able to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl???