The Dallas Cowboys are riding a wave of optimism after a commanding Week 7 victory over their division rivals, the Washington Commanders, on Sunday evening. With momentum on their side and a second-place standing in the NFC East, the Cowboys are positioned to make a significant impact at the NFL trade deadline if they can secure a few more wins in the coming weeks. A splash trade could potentially bolster their roster and fuel a serious push for the division title. But not everyone is convinced of their potential.
Enter Stephen A. Smith, the notorious Cowboys skeptic, who was asked about the possibility of Dallas clinching the NFC East crown. His response was blunt and unmistakable: “Hell no.” True to form, Smith didn’t hold back, dismissing the Cowboys’ chances with his signature flair.
“Hell no. Of course, I don’t believe that. I don’t believe that for one second,” Smith declared. “It’s real fun because, first of all, I want to thank the Dallas Cowboys because they have looked very, very impressive offensively.”
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Surprisingly, Smith followed his scathing verdict with rare praise for the Cowboys’ offense, particularly quarterback Dak Prescott. “I have Dak Prescott right now as a leading candidate for league MVP honors, the way that he’s playing right now,” Smith admitted. “He’s playing great. He’s been absolutely 71 percent completions, 270 yards a game, 13 touchdowns, no interceptions, a passer rating of 128 over his last four games. He’s been sensational, no doubt about it. He’s earning his money. He’s showing what he does.”
Smith even gave a nod to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, acknowledging the investment in Prescott. “Let’s give props to Jerry Jones from the standpoint you’re paying the man $60 million. Jerry Jones’ ego wants that man to be successful. That’s right.”
Despite this unexpected praise, Smith’s overall stance remains clear: the Cowboys still have much to prove. To be considered legitimate contenders against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas must demonstrate consistency. Their next chance to do so comes in Week 8, when they face the Denver Broncos in a challenging road game at Mile High. If the Cowboys can string together consecutive strong performances, they might just start to change the minds of skeptics like Stephen A. Smith. For now, though, his two-word verdict looms large: “Hell no.”