Digest

The episode begins with a debate about Dak Prescott's contract and his performance in the playoffs. Steven A. Smith argues that Prescott's contract is too high given his lack of playoff success, while Dominique Foxworth defends Prescott's talent and argues that the Cowboys should keep him. The conversation then shifts to the broader topic of managing quarterbacks in the NFL, with Steven A. Smith arguing that teams often sign quarterbacks they don't intend to keep long-term, using them as assets to trade or cut later. Dominique Foxworth counters that this strategy can be risky, as it can disrupt a team's timeline and potentially lead to losing valuable players. Shannon Sharp compares the Cowboys' situation with Dak Prescott to a relationship where one partner is unsure about the future of the relationship but is hesitant to leave because they fear not finding someone better. He argues that the Cowboys should focus on winning now and not worry about finding a replacement for Prescott. The discussion returns to Dak Prescott's playoff performance, with Steven A. Smith highlighting his poor performance in the Green Bay game last year. Dominique Foxworth defends Prescott, arguing that he has had good playoff games and that the Cowboys are lucky to have a quarterback of his caliber. Steven A. Smith argues that the Cowboys should not rebuild and should instead focus on winning with the talent they have now. He believes that finding a quarterback is difficult and that the Cowboys could lose valuable players if they rebuild. The conversation shifts to the financial aspect of quarterbacks in the NFL, with Steven A. Smith arguing that the Cowboys should not try to find a cheaper quarterback, as the cost of a good quarterback is high regardless of who it is. Steven A. Smith argues that Dak Prescott is among the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but he is not in the same category as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson. Dominique Foxworth disagrees, arguing that Prescott is close to that level. The conversation shifts to college football, with Steven A. Smith presenting his top 5 storylines for the upcoming season. He highlights the potential of Notre Dame under new coach Marcus Freeman, the future of Lincoln Riley at USC, and the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan. Steven A. Smith's list includes the potential of Deion Sanders at Colorado and the impact of Nick Saban's departure from Alabama. He argues that the 12-team playoff will change the landscape of college football, making more teams feel like they have a chance to win a national championship. The conversation concludes with a discussion of ESPN's top 100 players for the upcoming season. Steven A. Smith and Shannon Sharp discuss the ranking of Lamar Jackson as the second-best player in the NFL, and they debate whether Tyreek Hill should have been included in the top five.

Outlines

00:00:00

Dak Prescott's Contract and Playoff Performance, The Business of Quarterbacks in the NFL

The discussion begins with a debate about Dak Prescott's contract and his performance in the playoffs. Steven A. Smith argues that Prescott's contract is too high given his lack of playoff success, while Dominique Foxworth defends Prescott's talent and argues that the Cowboys should keep him. The conversation shifts to the broader topic of managing quarterbacks in the NFL. Steven A. Smith argues that teams often sign quarterbacks they don't intend to keep long-term, using them as assets to trade or cut later. Dominique Foxworth counters that this strategy can be risky, as it can disrupt a team's timeline and potentially lead to losing valuable players.

00:03:07

The Cowboys' Relationship with Dak Prescott, Dak Prescott's Playoff Performance

Shannon Sharp compares the Cowboys' situation with Dak Prescott to a relationship where one partner is unsure about the future of the relationship but is hesitant to leave because they fear not finding someone better. He argues that the Cowboys should focus on winning now and not worry about finding a replacement for Prescott. The discussion returns to Dak Prescott's playoff performance, with Steven A. Smith highlighting his poor performance in the Green Bay game last year. Dominique Foxworth defends Prescott, arguing that he has had good playoff games and that the Cowboys are lucky to have a quarterback of his caliber.

00:10:58

The Risk of Rebuilding, The Cost of a Quarterback, Dak Prescott's Place Among Elite Quarterbacks

Steven A. Smith argues that the Cowboys should not rebuild and should instead focus on winning with the talent they have now. He believes that finding a quarterback is difficult and that the Cowboys could lose valuable players if they rebuild. The conversation shifts to the financial aspect of quarterbacks in the NFL, with Steven A. Smith arguing that the Cowboys should not try to find a cheaper quarterback, as the cost of a good quarterback is high regardless of who it is. Steven A. Smith argues that Dak Prescott is among the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but he is not in the same category as Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson. Dominique Foxworth disagrees, arguing that Prescott is close to that level.

00:24:09

Top 5 Storylines in College Football, Nick Saban's Future and the 12-Team Playoff

The conversation shifts to college football, with Steven A. Smith presenting his top 5 storylines for the upcoming season. He highlights the potential of Notre Dame under new coach Marcus Freeman, the future of Lincoln Riley at USC, and the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan. Steven A. Smith's list includes the potential of Deion Sanders at Colorado and the impact of Nick Saban's departure from Alabama. He argues that the 12-team playoff will change the landscape of college football, making more teams feel like they have a chance to win a national championship.

00:35:43

Top 100 Players in the NFL

The conversation concludes with a discussion of ESPN's top 100 players for the upcoming season. Steven A. Smith and Shannon Sharp discuss the ranking of Lamar Jackson as the second-best player in the NFL, and they debate whether Tyreek Hill should have been included in the top five.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main point of contention regarding Dak Prescott's contract?

  Steven A. Smith argues that Dak Prescott's contract is too high given his lack of playoff success, while Dominique Foxworth defends Prescott's talent and argues that the Cowboys should keep him.

• What are the risks and benefits of signing a quarterback you don't intend to keep long-term?

  Steven A. Smith argues that this strategy can be beneficial for teams, as it allows them to use a quarterback as an asset to trade or cut later. However, Dominique Foxworth counters that this strategy can be risky, as it can disrupt a team's timeline and potentially lead to losing valuable players.

• How does Shannon Sharp compare the Cowboys' situation with Dak Prescott to a relationship?

  Shannon Sharp compares the Cowboys' situation with Dak Prescott to a relationship where one partner is unsure about the future of the relationship but is hesitant to leave because they fear not finding someone better. He argues that the Cowboys should focus on winning now and not worry about finding a replacement for Prescott.

• What are Steven A. Smith's top 5 storylines for the upcoming college football season?

  Steven A. Smith's top 5 storylines include the potential of Notre Dame under new coach Marcus Freeman, the future of Lincoln Riley at USC, the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, the potential of Deion Sanders at Colorado, and the impact of Nick Saban's departure from Alabama.

• How will the 12-team playoff change the landscape of college football?

  Steven A. Smith argues that the 12-team playoff will make more teams feel like they have a chance to win a national championship, which could lead to more excitement and interest in the sport.

• What is the main point of contention regarding Lamar Jackson's ranking as the second-best player in the NFL?

  Steven A. Smith and Shannon Sharp discuss the ranking of Lamar Jackson as the second-best player in the NFL, and they debate whether Tyreek Hill should have been included in the top five.

Show Notes