In a fiery segment on First Take, Stephen A. Smith pulled no punches while reacting to Micah Parsons‘ recent optimistic comments about the Dallas Cowboys’ season. Despite the team’s ongoing struggles, Parsons, the Cowboys’ star linebacker, expressed hope for the remainder of the season, saying, “As long as I’m still alive, as long as I’m still a part of this team, I’m gonna keep fighting.”

But Stephen A. wasn’t buying it. He immediately dismissed Parsons’ hopeful tone, arguing that the Cowboys’ season is effectively over. “This season is done. It’s over!” Smith declared, shaking his head. His reaction came after Parsons talked about how the Cowboys have a tough stretch of games ahead, but he still believed in his team’s chances, proclaiming that “it’s not over until the fat lady sings.”

Stephen A.’s Reaction: ‘The Season Is Over’

Stephen A. wasted no time calling out Parsons’ optimism, especially considering the Cowboys’ current situation. “You’re sitting on the sideline, Micah! You’re injured!” Smith exclaimed. He questioned the credibility of Parsons’ comments, pointing out that as much as he respects the linebacker’s talent, it’s hard to take his words seriously when he’s not actively on the field.

Smith didn’t stop there. He also mocked the Cowboys’ recent trade for Jonathan Mingo, the wide receiver from the Carolina Panthers, calling it a “world of difference.” With a sarcastic tone, Stephen A. said, “I’m so touched. A second-round pick…12 receptions for just over 100 yards…no touchdowns. Wow, what a game-changer for Dallas!”

According to Smith, the Cowboys should have been looking to sell players and start rebuilding instead of making minor moves like adding Mingo. He stressed that with the Cowboys sitting at a 3-5 record, their playoff chances were slim, and the team should focus on the future rather than attempting to stay relevant this season.

The Real Problem: Cowboys’ Dysfunction

Stephen A. didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Cowboys’ overall dysfunction. “They don’t play good enough defense, they don’t take the ball away, they don’t run the ball particularly well,” he said. “Dak Prescott is constantly getting hounded, and now it’s about to be Cooper Rush under center. It’s over, everybody knows it’s over.”

He added that the team’s inability to protect Dak Prescott and establish a strong running game has been a recipe for failure. On top of that, the Cowboys’ defense has been lackluster. “The defense is ranked 27th in total defense, 31st in scoring defense… it’s a mess,” Smith lamented.

Micah Parsons’ Leadership vs. Reality

While Stephen A. recognized that Parsons was trying to be a good leader and rally the troops, he didn’t believe that such rhetoric would be enough to turn things around. “I get it, Micah’s trying to keep the morale up, but come on, man. This team looks disorganized and dysfunctional,” Smith said. He emphasized that Parsons’ comments would hold more weight if he were out there playing and leading by example.

Smith also pointed out that while Parsons has every right to believe in his teammates, the reality of the situation suggests that the Cowboys are far from the team they were just a couple of seasons ago when they finished 12-5. “You’re telling me the same team that was 12-5 in back-to-back seasons is suddenly this bad? It’s not just the players, it’s the management,” Smith said, referencing the Cowboys’ inability to improve the roster during the offseason.

Shannon Sharpe’s Thoughts: ‘It’s Over’

Shannon Sharpe echoed Stephen A.’s sentiments, adding, “It’s over, bro. Sometimes players say things to convince themselves, but no one’s buying it. You’re not going to win seven or eight games in a row.” Sharpe was blunt, criticizing the Cowboys’ inability to run the ball and protect their quarterback, as well as their defensive struggles. He also mocked the Mingo trade, saying it wouldn’t “move the needle” and that the Cowboys were simply trying to save face.

Both Sharpe and Smith questioned the front office’s decision-making, noting that the Cowboys should have been proactive in addressing their needs before the season began. Instead, they’re now stuck with an injury-plagued roster and a series of mistakes that have left them behind the eight ball.

The Quarterback Dilemma: Cooper Rush or Trey Lance?

The quarterback situation also came under fire. With Dak Prescott’s injury, the Cowboys are left with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance as potential options. Stephen A. made it clear that if the Cowboys truly believed in Trey Lance, they would have already made him the number two quarterback. “If they thought Lance was the guy, he’d be the number two,” Smith said.

Sharpe agreed, adding that the Cowboys’ offense has been more efficient when Cooper Rush is under center, but that’s only a temporary fix. “They used to be able to run the football with Rush, but without the ability to consistently run and stop the run, it’s a tough hill to climb,” Sharpe noted.

Ezekiel Elliott’s Role: A Missed Opportunity

Finally, the ongoing drama surrounding Ezekiel Elliott‘s return to the Cowboys was also discussed. Smith criticized the Cowboys for bringing Elliott back despite his history of missing meetings and showing up late in previous seasons. “Now that the team’s losing, suddenly Zeke’s late to meetings?” Stephen A. questioned. “You knew who he was when you brought him back, and now you’re blaming him for your problems. This is just another example of mismanagement.”

Sharpe also pointed out that Elliott’s struggles were a result of the Cowboys’ failure to address the team’s needs earlier in the offseason. “They should’ve done these things in advance, but now they’re paying for it. And bringing back Zeke isn’t going to fix anything,” Sharpe concluded.

Conclusion: No Miracles for Dallas

As the Cowboys’ season slips further into mediocrity, both Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe were in agreement that it’s time to face the harsh reality: the season is over. The team has too many problems—on both sides of the ball—to make a meaningful run at the playoffs. Despite Micah Parsons’ leadership and optimism, the Cowboys’ front office mistakes, injuries, and poor performance have left them with little hope for a turnaround.

“With the way they’re playing, don’t expect a miracle,” Stephen A. said, closing out the segment with a grim prediction. “The season is over.”