Emmitt Smith Says Cowboys Are Going In 'Right Direction' for '1st Time in a Long Time'

Even though the Dallas Cowboys are going to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season, franchise icon Emmitt Smith is optimistic about the direction they are headed.

Appearing on Netflix's Christmas Day broadcast during Dallas' game against the Washington Commanders, Smith said "for the first time in a long time" he believes the Cowboys are "heading in the right direction."

The Cowboys were officially eliminated from the postseason contention in Week 16 when the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East with a victory over the Commanders.

This season has been a series of ups and downs for the Cowboys. They were 3-5-1 heading into their Week 10 bye, then won three straight games to get over the .500 mark and put themselves in contention for a playoff spot.

Since that time, though, the Cowboys have lost their last three games entering Christmas Day. The defense allowed at least 34 points in each game during this losing streak.

Despite the struggles, Smith is right that there are reasons to be optimistic. They have three first-round draft picks over the next two years, including two in 2026, that will allow them to address some of those holes on the defensive side of the ball.

The offense is set up to remain one of the best units in the NFL next season with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb returning. They do have a big decision to make about George Pickens, but early predictions have him being franchise tagged.

If the Cowboys can find a path to being around the 20th-best defense instead of being at the bottom of the league, they could easily become a playoff contender in the NFC in 2026.