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5 Brutal Hot Takes On The Dallas Cowboys That Have Stephen A. Smith And Shannon Sharpe At War On First Take

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The Dallas Cowboys remain the most polarizing team in the NFL, and as of December 20, 2025, the debates on ESPN's *First Take* have reached a fever pitch. The 'America's Team' moniker guarantees controversy, and with the 2025 regular season winding down, the trio of Dak Prescott, Mike McCarthy, and Jerry Jones is once again under the microscope, leading to some of the most heated, over-the-top, and brutally honest hot takes from Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe. The core question dominating the airwaves: Are the Cowboys legitimate Super Bowl contenders, or are they destined for another crushing, early playoff exit? The current state of the team, marked by inconsistent performances and major question marks surrounding key personnel, has provided endless fodder for the show’s panelists. From Stephen A. Smith’s persistent, almost gleeful declarations that the Cowboys are "not a playoff team" to Shannon Sharpe’s surprising, yet calculated defenses, the takes are fresh, unique, and often completely contradictory, ensuring the conversation on the Cowboys is never dull.

The Unending Debate: Dak Prescott’s Future and Legacy in Dallas

The single most contentious issue on *First Take* for the 2025 season revolves around quarterback Dak Prescott. With his contract situation looming and a history of regular-season success followed by playoff disappointment, the debate over his long-term future and overall legacy has been relentless.

1. Is Dak Prescott Worth a Long-Term Commitment? The Contract Conundrum

The question of whether the Dallas Cowboys should commit to Dak Prescott for a long-term, mega-money extension is a constant source of friction among the *First Take* crew. The discussion often focuses on the financial implications versus the on-field results. * The Pro-Dak Stance (The "Shannon Sharpe" View): While Sharpe has had his moments of criticism, the pro-Dak argument centers on his undeniable regular-season production. Supporters point to his league-leading statistics in certain categories and argue that finding a better, more stable quarterback is nearly impossible in the modern NFL. The argument is that the team's failures are systemic, not solely a "Dak problem." * The Anti-Dak Stance (The "Stephen A. Smith" View): Stephen A. Smith, alongside panelists like Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, frequently argues that Prescott's lack of deep playoff success disqualifies him from a truly elite contract. Smith has not minced words, often stating that until Prescott delivers a Super Bowl or at least an NFC Championship appearance, he is not the solution for a franchise desperate for a title. The consensus from the critics is that the massive financial commitment would cripple the team's ability to acquire the necessary surrounding talent.

2. The 'Legacy' Question: Where Does Prescott Rank?

ESPN's panel has spent considerable time debating Prescott's overall legacy as he enters the latter stages of his current deal. The discussion moves beyond just the current season and asks what he will be remembered for. * The "Good, But Not Great" Verdict: Many analysts on the show, including Louis Riddick, have settled on the idea that Prescott is a very good quarterback—a franchise QB—but not one who can elevate a team or consistently beat the elite competition in the NFC, such as the San Francisco 49ers or Philadelphia Eagles. * The Focus on Playoff Wins: The primary criticism, constantly hammered home by Smith, is the lack of playoff wins. Regardless of his regular-season heroics, the narrative on *First Take* is that a Cowboys quarterback's legacy is solely defined by championships, a standard Prescott has yet to meet.

Mike McCarthy’s Job Security: The Perennial Hot Seat

Another major recurring theme, especially as the 2025 season nears its conclusion, is the precarious position of Head Coach Mike McCarthy.

3. Is McCarthy's Contract Situation a 'Lame Duck' Disaster?

McCarthy's contract status—with his deal reportedly expiring or nearing expiration—has made his job security a constant talking point. * The 'Irritated' Coach: McCarthy himself has expressed irritation with the constant media questioning about his job status, a sentiment that the *First Take* crew dissects as a sign of pressure. * The 'Win-Now' Mandate: The panel agrees that Jerry Jones' patience is thin. If the Cowboys fail to make a deep playoff run in 2025, analysts like Jeff Saturday believe Jones will have no hesitation in moving on, regardless of a late-season surge. The argument is that McCarthy was hired to win a Super Bowl, and anything less results in a failure to meet expectations.

Stephen A. Smith's Most Brutal Declarations on the 2025 Season

No discussion of *First Take* is complete without the hyperbolic, yet often accurate, predictions of Stephen A. Smith, whose primary joy seems to be the downfall of the Dallas Cowboys.

4. The 'Cowboys Are Not a Playoff Team' Declaration

Stephen A. Smith has been consistent throughout the 2025 season, making a "brutally honest" assessment that the Cowboys are simply "not a playoff team," especially following the release of their schedule or a disappointing loss. * The Roster Deficiency Argument: Smith often focuses on the lack of key moves during the offseason and at the trade deadline, arguing that the front office failed to provide Dak Prescott with the necessary "weapons" or defensive reinforcements to compete with the NFC's elite. This take emphasizes the overall organizational failure, not just the players. * The NFC East Reality Check: The debate frequently shifts to the strength of the NFC East. Smith has gone on record to say, "Hell no," when asked if Dallas could win the division, even when Prescott was playing well, citing the perceived superiority of rivals like the Eagles. This fuels the topical authority around the divisional race.

5. Shannon Sharpe’s Shocking Contrarian Takes

While Stephen A. Smith is the consistent Cowboys hater, Shannon Sharpe has provided the most compelling counter-arguments, often stunning Smith and the audience with his unexpected analysis. * The 'Dallas Will Win This Game' Prediction: In a moment that went viral, Sharpe shocked Stephen A. Smith by confidently predicting the Cowboys would defeat a major rival, such as the Philadelphia Eagles. This creates a crucial tension on the show, where Sharpe uses his football acumen to challenge Smith’s emotional biases. * The 'Who We Thought They Were' Reality Check: Conversely, Sharpe has also delivered harsh truths, especially after a major loss where the Cowboys' defense looked "dismal." In these moments, Sharpe suggests the Cowboys regress to their historical tendency of underperforming in critical situations, lacking a true "winning culture" that can carry them through adversity. The constant back-and-forth between the show's main personalities—Smith's fiery passion versus Sharpe's measured, yet often surprising, analysis—is what keeps the "First Take on Dallas Cowboys" segment appointment viewing. As the 2025 NFL season heads into its final weeks, all eyes remain on Dallas, and the debates will only intensify until the final whistle blows on their season. Whether they make a Super Bowl run or suffer another early exit, you can be certain that Stephen A. Smith will have the first, and loudest, take.
5 Brutal Hot Takes on the Dallas Cowboys That Have Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe at War on First Take
first take on dallas cowboys
first take on dallas cowboys

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