The Dallas Cowboys made a move at the NFL Trade Deadline, acquiring wide receiver Jonathan Mingo from the struggling Carolina Panthers in exchange for a late-round draft pick. While some Cowboys fans might find hope in adding more depth to their receiving corps, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith had a very different take, declaring that the trade only confirmed that the 2024 season is effectively “over” for Dallas.
On Wednesday’s episode of “First Take,” Smith addressed the trade for Mingo, and he was quick to dismiss it as insignificant. Smith argued that Mingo had contributed so little to the Panthers’ offense this season that it was unlikely he would have any meaningful impact in Dallas. He bluntly stated that the 2024 season was “over” and “done” for the Cowboys, implying that the team was grasping at straws rather than making a significant move to improve their chances.
“He got 12 receptions for a little over 100 yards, no touchdowns, playing for the Carolina Panthers,” Smith said, via On3. “I’m just so touched. I mean, wow. This was gonna be a world of difference. It’s going to make a world of difference for the Cowboys. I mean, this season is over. It’s done. Okay? They should be selling. They should take the rest of the damn season, to be quite honest with you.”
Smith went on to joke that the Cowboys should have been sellers at the trade deadline rather than buyers, suggesting that they should give up on the rest of the season. He painted a picture of a team that was not only struggling to compete but also failing to acknowledge their current shortcomings by attempting to bring in players like Mingo.
The Cowboys are also dealing with a significant setback as they are set to be without their star quarterback, Dak Prescott, for at least the next four games due to a hamstring injury. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush will be stepping into the starting role in Prescott’s absence, and while Rush has been serviceable in the past, there is a lot of uncertainty around how well he can carry the team during this crucial stretch.
As for Jonathan Mingo, it’s still too early to tell what kind of role he might have in the Cowboys’ offense, if any. Mingo, a former second-round pick, was quickly phased out of the offense on a Panthers team that has struggled all season to find playmakers. This doesn’t bode well for his chances to shine in Dallas, especially given the established receivers already on the roster who are all vying for targets.
The Cowboys are currently 3-5 on the season, and while they are still mathematically in the playoff race, the road ahead looks challenging. With Prescott out for several games and Cooper Rush tasked with keeping the team’s postseason hopes alive, the margin for error is slim. If Rush cannot secure at least two or three wins in Dak’s absence, Stephen A. Smith’s grim prediction may prove to be accurate.
“Are the Dallas Cowboys really done?” is the question that lingers. While Smith has written them off, there is still time for the Cowboys to change the narrative. They have some talent on the roster and, with the right adjustments, could still fight their way back into contention.
However, the trade for Jonathan Mingo is far from the blockbuster move that would inspire confidence in the fanbase. Instead, it feels like a minor adjustment to a team that needs a major overhaul.
Ultimately, the Cowboys’ fate will rest on the performance of Cooper Rush and the ability of the coaching staff to navigate this difficult period. If they can find a way to win and keep their playoff hopes alive, the narrative could shift. But if not, Stephen A. Smith’s words will echo loudly, and the Cowboys’ 2024 season may indeed be “over” before it ever really got started.
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