First Take Faces Backlash After Bringing Up the Cowboys in Super Bowl Commentary

As Super Bowl week dominates the sports world, one thing remains almost inevitable: the Dallas Cowboys finding their way into the conversation — even when they aren’t playing. This time, that familiar pattern sparked sharp criticism after ESPN’s First Take stirred controversy by discussing the Cowboys during pre–Super Bowl analysis.

The backlash erupted after analyst Dan Orlovsky made a bold prediction involving Dallas’ future, claiming that the Cowboys could deliver a “major surprise” by reaching the Super Bowl under quarterback Dak Prescott. While the comment wasn’t tied to the current Super Bowl matchup, it immediately shifted attention away from the teams actually competing — and reignited a long-running debate about media obsession with America’s Team.

A Prediction That Sparked Pushback

During the segment, Orlovsky argued that the Cowboys remain closer to a championship breakthrough than many believe. He pointed to Prescott’s leadership, the team’s offensive potential, and what he described as an underappreciated window of opportunity in the NFC.

“I think people are writing them off too easily,” Orlovsky said. “This is a team that could shock everyone.”

His co-hosts weren’t convinced.

Stephen A. Smith and others quickly pushed back, questioning both the timing and credibility of the prediction. They highlighted Dallas’ repeated postseason failures and the lack of tangible progress deep into January football.

The exchange quickly turned heated — exactly the kind of television moment First Take is known for. But outside the studio, the reaction was far less entertaining.

Fans Say: ‘Enough About the Cowboys’

Within minutes, social media lit up with criticism. Many viewers accused the show of forcing the Cowboys into Super Bowl coverage simply to drive ratings.

“The Cowboys didn’t make the Super Bowl — again. Why are we still talking about them?” one fan posted.

Others argued that the segment overshadowed the actual Super Bowl teams and reflected a broader issue in sports media: Dallas dominating headlines regardless of performance.

This criticism isn’t new. The Cowboys consistently generate massive attention, and networks know that mentioning them drives engagement. But for many fans, especially those outside the Dallas fanbase, the fatigue is real.

Dak Prescott at the Center of the Debate

At the heart of Orlovsky’s argument was Dak Prescott — a quarterback who continues to divide opinion across the league. Supporters see a proven leader with strong regular-season numbers and durability. Critics see a player who hasn’t delivered when it matters most.

That tension played out live on air.

Orlovsky emphasized Prescott’s consistency and command of the offense, suggesting that the right combination of circumstances could finally push Dallas over the hump. His colleagues countered with playoff records, missed opportunities, and the growing pressure that surrounds every Cowboys season.

The debate quickly moved from prediction to perception: is Dak Prescott underrated, or is he the most overprotected quarterback in the NFL media landscape?

Why First Take Keeps Going Back to Dallas

From a business standpoint, the answer is simple. The Cowboys move the needle.

They generate clicks, comments, and heated arguments like few other franchises. Even when they’re not contenders, they remain conversation drivers — and First Take thrives on conversation.

But critics argue that there’s a difference between smart debate and forced relevance.

“Talking about the Cowboys during Super Bowl week feels lazy,” one media critic wrote. “It’s the safest controversy in sports TV.”

Entertainment vs. Credibility

This moment has reignited a larger discussion about sports debate shows and their priorities. Are programs like First Take designed to inform — or to provoke?

Supporters of the show argue that bold predictions and controversial takes are the point. Viewers tune in for passion, disagreement, and spectacle. Others worry that credibility suffers when analysis feels repetitive or disconnected from the moment.

For Orlovsky, the criticism may be collateral damage. His prediction wasn’t outrageous in isolation — it was the context that caused the uproar.

What This Says About the Cowboys

Ironically, the backlash itself proves one thing: the Cowboys remain the most polarizing team in the NFL.

They’re criticized for not winning, mocked for their hype, and yet impossible to ignore. Even during a Super Bowl they’re not playing in, Dallas dominates the discourse.

That reality frustrates fans — and fuels debate shows.

The Question That Won’t Go Away

As Super Bowl week continues, the controversy surrounding First Take raises a familiar question: are the Cowboys discussed because they deserve it, or because controversy demands it?

Dan Orlovsky believes Dallas still has a Super Bowl future. His colleagues don’t. Fans are tired of hearing it — yet can’t stop reacting.

And that may be the most telling part of all.

So as the biggest game of the season approaches without the Cowboys on the field, one question lingers louder than ever: is America’s Team still relevant because of potential, or because the NFL media simply refuses to let them fade into the background?