Stephen A. Smith joined Micah Parsons’ podcast “The Edge” and was predictably critical of the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons’ podcast, “The Edge,” hasn’t been short on controversy. From stoking the fires of their rivalry with the Philadelphia Eagles to hosting his NFL hot takes, Parsons grabs the ears of the football world when he graces the mic.
Handing the mic off to others has led to some notable quotes, too. On Saturday, they seemed to backfire on the All-World edge rusher.
ESPN personality and ardent Cowboys critic Stephen A. Smith joined Parsons’ show, armed with hot takes about Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott.
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
“Dak is not a scrub,” Smith said. “He is a choir boy on the football field, bro.”
Smith is referring to Prescott’s demeanor and how he carries himself on the field, particularly during his team’s playoff shortcomings. Smith’s (largely intangible) gripe encompasses his feelings about Prescott as a leader of men and his ability to rally troops on the biggest stage.
Prescott’s playoff resumé – complete with a 2-5 record and the first loss to a No. 7 seed in NFL history – only emboldened Smith.
“You know it’s a new generation,” Parsons responded.
It’s easy to claim that certain players aren’t good leaders or lack a fictitious “it factor.” But without being in the room, how much stock can truly be put into such criticism?
Indeed, Smith has never even stepped foot in the Cowboys locker room … and as far as we know, has no personal knowledge of what Dak “is” or isn’t.
Additionally, Smith’s uninformed opinion speaks to the “can’t-win” nature of Dak’s situation. He’s a quality person who works hard, takes accountability and devotes himself to charity work.
And so he’s a “choir boy” … and it’s a bad thing?!
sas dak
Prescott has handled the spotlight of the star well, has taken accountability in pressers, and seems to have the faith of his teammates. Few embody what it means to be the quarterback of “America’s Team” better than Prescott, regardless of the results.
“He got to own it, bro,” Smith said, talking about the big games Dallas continues to fall short in. “You got to step up and you got to handle your business.”
The playoff record is ugly. By no means did he play well in the Cowboys’ 48-32 loss to the Green Bay Packers. But Prescott played well enough to win in more playoff games than not. Of the 23 quarterbacks with at least 100 postseason plays since Prescott’s debut, only four have a higher success rate in the playoffs. By expected points added per play, he ranks higher than Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts – two passers revered for their leadership.
Prescott won’t have the monkey off his back until he brings a Super Bowl to Dallas, and with the odds stacked against him – and stacked against seemingly everyone not named Patrick Mahomes – Smith will probably have podcast ammo for years to come. … until, maybe, he doesn’t.
