Cowboys Defensive Tackle Mazi Smith Enters Third Season
OXNARD, Calif. — Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith enters his third season, and second preseason game Saturday night against the Ravens, knowing excuses about why he hasn’t lived up to expectations with this club are gone.
“This is my third year [and] the only people that should be expecting anything out of me is our fan base and the people in the building,” Smith said. “If you ain’t that, I ain’t trying to hear it. And even a lot of people on social media. I really ain’t trying to hear it.”
Smith’s refreshing take on expectations is welcomed because he understands the scrutiny that comes with being a first-round pick.
Smith’s Journey So Far
Smith has seen weight gains and losses, worked for three defensive coordinators and three line coaches with three schemes for him to master. Over the past seven years and counting the pros and in college at Michigan, Smith has played for six defensive coordinators and five defensive line coaches.
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Run Defense Struggles
As a pro, he’s never missed a game, starting in 20 of 34. He’s touted as someone who can push the pocket in the pass game if necessary and stop the run. One of the biggest struggles with the Cowboys is their inability to stop the run. Last season, the Cowboys allowed the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL at 2,331 with a 4.8 average. In the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, the Cowboys allowed 181 rushing yards. Smith started vs. the Rams and played 14 snaps, registering no tackles.
“I just didn’t do anything,” Smith said. “You got to do something. I’m a first-round pick. There’s expectations. It’s my third year.”
New Scheme and Expectations
In discussing run defense, the interior of the line has been brought up more than anything else. Smith has become the poster child for the run defense struggles, given his draft status and how much the team expected of him. You also can’t dismiss Osa Odighizuwa’s role in the run defense. But Smith, playing more of a nose tackle, is being asked to become an anchor.
In this scheme, Smith is being asked to rush upfield against a center and guard. Smith said he’s supposed to split double-teams and get pressure on the quarterback. No longer is Smith being asked to take on double-teams and hope linebackers make plays behind him. In the game against the Rams, Smith was doubled at least four times by two blockers at the snap of the ball, then picked up by another lineman a handful of times.
“Yeah, they don’t care about their doubles no more,” Smith said. “If I’m getting doubled, I gotta create my own 1-on-1s. That’s a little different for sure. I’m strong enough to take on a double-team and create my own 1-on-1. “
Defensive Coordinator’s Philosophy
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus wants his defensive line to play with energy and run after ballcarriers. It’s a philosophy Eberflus learned from former longtime coordinator Rod Marinelli.
Marinelli’s defensive scheme was about pressuring the quarterback, pressuring ballcarriers and asking players to never stop running.
“Mazi … we are still in the evaluation process with all those D-tackles,” Eberflus said. “We’re looking at those guys with a close eye. It’s important that they play with the style that we coach. It’s get off the football, penetrate, play the other side of the line of scrimmage and being able to shed blocks and make plays. We are an attack front and it’s important that he does that right and he does that well. This is his first time in this system, as a lot of guys, so we’re all learning as we go through the process here of how to play that way.”
Smith’s Weight and Performance
Smith has also seen his weight fluctuate.
In his rookie season, he was listed at 328 pounds. He weighed 337 pounds in his senior season at Michigan. Smith thought losing weight could help him get off the ball faster. In Year 2, he maintained his 328 pounds but wanted more power. Now, he’s around 315 pounds and believes he’s found the correct measurements to become the player he expects himself to be.
“It’s all up here,” he said, pointing to his head. “I think physically, man, I’ve been physically dominant. You can tell that by looking at me. In terms of putting my game on the field and all my traits on the field, it’s all up there.”
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Conclusion
Mazi Smith is entering his third season with the Cowboys, and he knows that excuses are no longer valid. He has to perform and live up to the expectations of the team and the fans. With a new scheme and a new defensive coordinator, Smith is looking to become a key player in the Cowboys’ defense. He has the physical ability and the talent, but he needs to put it all together on the field. The Cowboys are counting on him to help improve their run defense, and Smith is ready to take on the challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the expectations for Mazi Smith in his third season with the Cowboys?
A: The expectations for Mazi Smith are high, as he is a first-round pick and has the physical ability and talent to be a key player in the Cowboys’ defense. He needs to live up to the expectations of the team and the fans and perform well on the field.
Q: What is the Cowboys’ biggest struggle on defense?
A: The Cowboys’ biggest struggle on defense is their inability to stop the run. They allowed the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL last season and need to improve in this area.
Q: What is the new scheme that the Cowboys are using on defense?
A: The new scheme is an attack front, which means that the defensive line is asked to play with energy and run after ballcarriers. The scheme is designed to pressure the quarterback and ballcarriers and ask players to never stop running.
Q: How has Mazi Smith’s weight fluctuated over the years?
A: Mazi Smith’s weight has fluctuated over the years. He was listed at 328 pounds in his rookie season, weighed 337 pounds in his senior season at Michigan, and is now around 315 pounds. He believes that he has found the correct measurements to become the player he expects himself to be.
