Stephen A. Smith's Cowboys Ranking Draws Fan Fury
Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN personality, is known for his passionate takes on sports. But his recent ranking of the Dallas Cowboys has sparked outrage among fans, igniting a firestorm of debate across social media.
Cowboys at No. 10? Fans Cry Foul
Smith, in his usual bombastic style, placed the Cowboys at a surprising No. 10 on his "Top 10 Teams in the NFL" list. This ranking, according to many fans, was unjustifiably low considering the team's recent performance and their stacked roster.
"Stephen A. is delusional!" one fan exclaimed on Twitter. "The Cowboys are a top-5 team, easily!"
Another fan, expressing their frustration, tweeted, "This is just disrespect. Smith is clearly biased against the Cowboys."
The Case for the Cowboys
The Cowboys have a strong argument for a higher ranking. They boasted one of the most explosive offenses in the league last year, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and star receiver CeeDee Lamb. The addition of wide receiver Brandin Cooks and a strengthened offensive line suggests their offensive prowess is only going to improve.
On the defensive side, the Cowboys have a young and talented core led by Micah Parsons, widely considered one of the best defensive players in the league. This group, coupled with the veteran leadership of DeMarcus Lawrence, gives the Cowboys the potential to become a defensive force.
Smith's Reasoning
Smith, defending his controversial ranking, cited the Cowboys' history of inconsistency and their struggles in the playoffs as reasons for his low placement. He also pointed to the strength of the NFC East, noting that the Philadelphia Eagles, their division rivals, are a formidable opponent.
"The Cowboys have a lot of talent, but they haven't proven they can get over the hump," Smith argued on his show, "First Take."
Fan Reactions Remain Mixed
Despite Smith's reasoning, fans are still upset and divided over the Cowboys' ranking. While some agree with his assessment, many are outraged and believe he is underrating the team's potential.
This debate highlights the passionate love for the Dallas Cowboys and the intense scrutiny that follows the team every season. It also serves as a reminder that opinions, especially in the world of sports, are often subjective and subject to heated debate.
Only time will tell if Smith's prediction is accurate and whether the Cowboys can finally live up to their potential. But one thing is clear: this ranking has only further fueled the fire of the Cowboys' loyal fanbase.