Cowboys capable of contending for NFC Title, says Emmitt Smith

Add as preferred source on Google

One of the greatest running backs in NFL history believes the Dallas Cowboys are ready to contend for the NFC crown.

Emmitt Smith was one of the cornerstones of the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl titles in four seasons during the 90s, leading the league in rushing four times as a player.

The current edition of the Cowboys are 9-3 and currently on a four-game winning streak.

In a recent interview with USA Today’s Sports Seriously the legendary running back spoke candidly about his former team’s chances to return to the Super Bowl this season.

The all-time leading rusher in NFL history believes Mike McCarthy group are the same level as NFC heavyweights the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

“I think they can be – and they have the ability to do it,” said Smith.

“They have been growing over the last four or five weeks, and they’re showing signs of developing the mental toughness that’s going to be required for when we get into the playoffs … and how we finish the rest of the season is going to be a clear indication of how mentally tough and mentally sharp we really are.”

Smith added, “I think [Philly] they’re built tough inside out.”

“They have all the pieces of the puzzle in place to be a back-to-back Super Bowl-contending team, but I think our Cowboys are coming along. I think our Cowboys are rolling right along.”

Time for the Cowboys to step it up

Those who doubt the Cowboys’ ability to contend, like Stephen A. Smith, will be quick to point out this team’s shortcomings against the league’s top dogs.

By far, the worst game of the Cowboys’ 2023 season came in October on a Sunday night showcase fixture in San Francisco.

In that encounter, Dallas was a disaster, particularly Dak Prescott, who threw three interceptions as the Niners romped to a comfortable 42-10 victory.

Prescott’s error, in November versus Philly prevented them from potentially forcing overtime, stepping out of bound on a two-point convert ultimately cost his team a chance to beat the reigning NFC champions.

In fact, the Cowboys victory versus Seattle on Thursday (41-35) was their only one in 2023 against a team who were above .500 before kickoff.

Down the stretch of the season, though, Dallas won’t have many gimme games with the Washington Commanders the only one of their remaining six opponents currently with a losing record.

However, there is merit to how the Cowboys are winning these easy games.

Dallas isn’t just beating teams like the Giants, Patriots and Panthers but annihilating them, so they’re meeting and exceeding expectations in that sense.

How to beat the big boys

The Cowboys will face a pair of formidable NFC teams between now and end of the regular season, hosting the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday and welcoming the Detroit Lions to AT&T Stadium in late December.

When it comes to playoff success, Smith offered this advice to the Cowboys.

“I think the key is matching that level of intensity for four quarters,” Smith said.

The Cowboys last made an NFC Championship Game in 1995, while they have not won more than once in a single postseason since.