Historically, Stephen A. Smith has made it abundantly clear that he dislikes, or worse, hates the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. From their fanbase to their losing streak due to their league-worst defense. But when the Golden State Warriors’ star Draymond Green called out the Cowboys’ franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, ESPN’s veteran had a surprising take.

“I thought ‘bum’ was a bit too excessive. Dak Prescott is not a bum,” Smith said on the Stephen A. Smith Show. “Dak Prescott is a big-time quarterback in the National Football League.”

Although uncharacteristic for the man who’s built a reputation as a gleeful troll of Dallas‘ football woes, Smith has recently been a huge fan of the America’s Team’s offense. Of course, that’s led by none of than Prescott. However, given that the team is 3-5-1 entering Week 9, we can see why Green had issues with the QB.

During a segment on his Why is Draymond Green Talking About Football podcast, the Golden State Warriors star took a shot at Prescott, flatly stating to his co-host, “Dak’s a bum… When the money’s on the line, when it’s for all the marbles, who are you? He a bum.”

In his defense, though, he also clarified that his stance wasn’t because he doesn’t believe Prescott is a talented QB, but his winning streaks (or lack thereof), are his concerns. “When you’re making $65 million, it’s way harder to win. You gotta be like Patty Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes) good.”

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Draymond Green’s argument was clear: Dak can rack up stats, but when it matters, he ends up passive. It was the kind of take that would usually make Stephen A. Smith grin from ear to ear. But this time, he didn’t.

The change in heart isn’t sudden.

Previously, Smith appeared on a live podcast with the Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, and claimed that he loved him and the team. (Yes, we also know that he absolutely hates the fanbase.)

“Draymond Green has a right to ask that question…,” Smith gave his conclusion. “He would know because Draymond Green’s teammate is the baby face assassin that is known as Steph Curry, the greatest shooter God has ever created. And that is what Draymond Green is accustomed to being around.

“What I’m saying to you is that there are moments that define us. So when Draymond Green brings that up about a Dak Prescott, he has a point. Is it necessary to say bum? No. Is it a bit extreme? Yes.”

However, it begs the question: Does Green’s claim hold any weight?

Prescott was extended this offseason with a 4-year, $240,000,000 contract, essentially bringing his average annual salary to a whopping $60 million. However, according to Green, he hasn’t lived up to expectations.

Dallas has a seventh-ranked offense in the league, according to PFF. Personally, Prescott is tied for the third-most passing touchdowns and is fourth in total passing yards out of 36 QBs heading into Week 10. He has proven that his abilities are not why the team is lagging. The playoff picture, though, is quite different.

Prescott has a 2-5 record in playoff games in his 10-year NFL career, all in the NFC Divisional Round. It is also important to remember, though, that the Cowboys have been unsuccessful in the playoffs over the last three decades. They have not advanced further than the Divisional Round since they won Super Bowl XXX in 1995. And for an NFL team to be successful, it needs a team effort. So, putting the entire blame on Prescott’s shoulders isn’t right.

But, in comparison, QBs like Mahomes have delivered time and again when the team needed them to step up. The very reason why he is a 3x SB MVP, 2x league MVP, and a 3x SB champion. On the other hand, Prescott is yet to reach any of those milestones.

Smith, however, believes Prescott could be in the lineup quite soon.

The Dallas Cowboys’ harshest critic hails Dak Prescott

Stephen A. Smith’s restraint says something. He’s someone who’s taken delight in the Dallas Cowboys’ collapses, even showing up in cowboy hats and cigars on First Take. He has even mocked Dak Prescott’s leadership, saying, “He says the same thing every year. Same thing every year. Never reaches fruition.”

But even Smith seemed to realize that it’s not the QB that’s the problem when Green called him out. That’s why, back in October, Smith claimed, “Are you sitting down? … The Dallas Cowboys are going to the playoffs. Dak Prescott is going to be a top-two candidate for MVP honors.”

Still, Smith defending Prescott’s dignity speaks volumes. It might be sympathy, it might be perspective, but it definitely caught all of us by surprise. What is your reaction?