When it comes to sports you won’t find a bigger homer than former Dallas Cowboys legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame Michael Irvin. Ever since he retired and joined the media, the three-time Super Bowl champion has spoken highly of his former team. And while all that hype sounds good, it’s been to no avail as the Cowboys haven’t sniffed the Super Bowl since Irvin’s playing days. But that still hasn’t stopped the former Miami Hurricanes star from making bold, outlandish predictions about his Cowboys.
During a recent appearance on ESPN’s “First Take,” Irvin made arguably his most outlandish statement about the 2022 version of the Dallas Cowboys. Just days after proclaiming that NFC East rival Philly was a dynasty in the making, Irving appears to be overcompensating to make things right with home team.
“If the Dallas Cowboys clean up these penalties, they will be chasing the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins. When you got the No. 1 offense, clean up these penalties, they’ll be chasing 1972 Dolphins. Did I say something wrong?”
They had 17 penalties in a preseason game after being the most-penalized team in the league in 2021. That reeks of a lack of discipline and falls squarely on embattled head coach Mike McCarthy.
As far as Irvin’s statement, it’s complete absurdity because he’s referencing the Cowboys’ top offense in 2021 that failed to win a playoff game. That offense is no more, having traded away top receiver Amari Cooper. They’re still without No. 2 receiver Michael Gallup, who’s recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season.
The Cowboys also lost key offensive lineman to free agency. Not to mention they’ll be without new wide receiver James Washington, who was signed to soften the Cooper move and help while Gallup recovers. Plus 2020 first-round pick CeeDee Lamb is now thrust into the No. 1 receiver role, and we don’t know how well he’s going transition into that vital role.
So this was also Irvin trying to rile up Stephen A. Smith, a notorious Cowboys hater.
Michael Irvin on @FirstTake: “If the Dallas Cowboys clean up these penalties, they will be chasing the (undefeated) 1972 Miami Dolphins. When you got the No. 1 offense, clean up these penalties, they will be chasing the 1972 Dolphins. Did I say something crazy?”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 15, 2022
Didn’t Irvin Question The Cowboys’ Talent Level This Offseason?
Irvin’s statement is a bit contradictory if you consider his statement about the team in April. Back then in an interview the energetic and loquacious Irvin had this to say.
“They have lost talent. They are not a better team talent-wise. This game doesn’t require skill. It requires will. If a team loses a little bit of skill but gains greater will, they can still do great things. If the Cowboys can take the disappointment of the defeat against San Francisco beating you at home … if they can take that and internalize it in the offseason and come with less skill and more will and have a better season.”
A masterpiece. pic.twitter.com/PRduKWWgg5
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) January 17, 2022
Cowboys Need Dak At MVP Level To Win Division: Not A Chance They Go Undefeated
The Cowboys are banking on their $40 million signal-caller to elevate the play of the young, inexperienced receiver room. In fact, team owner Jerry Jones has the utmost belief in Prescott’s leadership abilities, and he expects it’ll pay off with the receivers.
QB1 & WR1…LOADING 📶#DALvsDEN | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/Jyb2Lov2z2
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 13, 2022
Jones expounded on that during a presser from the team’s training facility in Oxnard, California.
“He can do that,” the charismatic owner said. “I especially think he can do it with what we’re trying to do with running back Tony Pollard or what we’re trying to do with tight end Dalton Schultz. You know Dak’s going to take it to the right guy. … Dak’s as good as anybody there is out here throwing the ball at what the defense gives you.”
Dak will definitely help the young receivers with his ability to extend plays and throw the ball downfield. But Irvin needs to stop with those unreal expectations of his former team that usually underachieves.
