The Dallas Cowboys are once again in the spotlight, but not for the reasons their fans might hope. On Monday’s episode of First Take, outspoken analyst Stephen A. Smith took issue with the Cowboys’ post-game celebrations following their Sunday night victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith labeled the win as “meaningless” and criticized it as emblematic of a deeper cultural problem within the organization.
Smith’s Scathing Take
“This is what I’ve come to expect from the Cowboys,” Smith said during the segment. “They win one game, and it’s like they’ve just won the Super Bowl. This win over the Buccaneers? It means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things.”
Smith argued that the Cowboys’ celebrations were overblown given the context of the game, which he characterized as a low-stakes matchup. According to him, this reflects a culture in Dallas that prioritizes style over substance—a culture he believes has held the team back from achieving true greatness.
A Pattern of Mediocrity?
For years, Stephen A. Smith has been a vocal critic of the Cowboys, often pointing to what he sees as an inflated sense of accomplishment within the franchise. “This is a team that hasn’t been to an NFC Championship Game in decades, yet every year they’re hyped up as if they’re contenders,” he said. “And then, they celebrate a routine win like it’s a monumental achievement.”
Smith’s comments sparked immediate reactions on social media, with fans and analysts divided over whether his criticism was warranted. While some agreed with his assessment, others argued that celebrating victories is part of what makes sports enjoyable.
Fans and Critics Weigh In
Cowboys fans were quick to defend their team, with many pointing out the importance of celebrating wins to maintain morale and momentum. “A win is a win,” one fan tweeted. “Stephen A. is just salty because we’re America’s Team!”
Meanwhile, critics echoed Smith’s sentiment, questioning whether the Cowboys’ focus on theatrics could distract from their ultimate goal of winning a championship. “It’s not about one game; it’s about building a legacy,” an analyst commented.
What’s Next for Dallas?
As the Cowboys prepare for their next matchup, the scrutiny on their performance—and their celebrations—is unlikely to let up. Smith ended his rant with a challenge to the team: “Show me something meaningful. Win when it counts. Until then, spare me the theatrics.”
Join the Debate
What do you think? Was Stephen A. Smith right to call out the Cowboys, or is he being too harsh? Share your thoughts using #CowboysCulture and #FirstTakeDebate. Let’s hear where NFL fans stand on this fiery controversy!
