The “Great Wall of Dallas” is known for being the backbone of the Dallas Cowboy’s 3 Super Bowl titles in the 1990s. Critics are quick to point to this group of Hall of Fame offensive lineman whenever Emmitt Smith’s name is mentioned in the “GOAT” Running Back debate. It is a fact that line was arguably the best ever assembled but is it fair to Emmitt? Let’s take a look at some accomplishments in Emmitt’s career that may change your mind if you think “anyone could run behind that line”.

The “Holdout” in 1993

In the 1992-93 season, the young Dallas Cowboys led by Jimmy Johnson blew out the Buffalo Bills 52-17 in the Super Bowl and looked unstoppable going forward. The 1993 season began without Emmitt. Without a contract between Jerry Jones and Emmitt the star RB was not on the field for games 1-2 of the 93/94 season. The Cowboys started 0-2 behind running back Derrick Lassick. The ole “Anyone could run behind that line” argument blew up as Lassick only put up 75 yards in game one and 52 yards in game two.

Once Jerry came to his senses and signed Smith, he came back and put up 1,486 rushing yards in the remaining 14 games, the team finished 12-4, and the Cowboys won their 2nd Super Bowl of the 90s. Smith was the NFL rushing leader, NFL MVP, and Super Bowl MVP that season. The Cowboys became the first 0-2 team to win the Super Bowl. Although a small sample, those first two games without Smith are worth looking at when making the case for Emmitt’s greatness.

The Separated Shoulder Game

In the 1993-94 season the Cowboys were playing “catch up” after the Emmitt-less 0-2 start.

Finding themselves 11-4 and heading into a hostile environment in East Rutherford to play the NY Giants, a win would secure the Cowboys home field advantage and a first round bye. Early in the game A big hit by the Giants safety Greg Jackson sent Smith to the locker room with a first-degree separation of his right shoulder. He missed only two plays! Smith finished with 168 yards on 32 carries and had 10 receptions for 61 yards and one touchdown. Most of all with just one arm clinging the ball and trying to avoid contact on the injured shoulder.

In overtime the Cowboys got possession and kept it, handing and passing the ball to Smith 9 of 11 plays to put them into field goal range and securing the 16-13 OT victory.

#22 Was Even Better in the Playoffs

Smith set NFL post-season records for rushing touchdowns (19), consecutive games with a rushing TD (9), 100-yard rushing games (7), total postseason rushing yards (1,586), and the total playoff touchdown record with (21). 

In Super Bowl 28, with the score tied at 13-13 with the Buffalo Bills, the Cowboys turned to Smith once again. Dallas began their first possession in the third quarter by handing off to Smith 6 times in a row for gains of 9 yards, 3 yards, 9 yards, 7 yards, 14 yards and 5 yards. After an incomplete pass, Smith ran again for 15 yards and a touchdown in a drive that ate up clock and crushed Bill’s spirit for the remainder of the game. The Cowboys went on to win 30-13.

Blue Collar Player

Emmitt’s ability to pass block, catch passes out of the backfield, and get first downs in short yardage situations are often overshadowed by his rushing record. He was durable and consistent. Rushing for over 1000 yards in 11 straight season. He retired with a career total of 18,355 yards and a NFL record 164 rushing touchdowns. He also added 515 receptions for 3,224 yards and 11 touchdowns.

There May Never be Another

With the ever-changing NFL we may never see another back like Emmitt Smith. The modern NFL is using more “running back by committee” and the longevity of the position is decreasing. Emmitt was a “Iron Man” of durability and longevity that we are likely to never see again. I’m not here to make the case that Emmitt is the best back of all-time but to say he was only good because of his line is ignoring the facts.

Reggie Sanderson – We Like Sportz Cowboys writer. Co-host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast.

Follow him on X @Irish_Cowboy88

Photos courtesy of Sports Illustrated