Adjustment and Determination in Mazi Smith's Rookie Year with the Dallas Cowboys
In Mazi Smith's first year with the Dallas Cowboys, the young defensive lineman underwent a journey marked by relentless effort and crucial adjustments. Smith played in all 17 regular-season games, showcasing his commitment and endurance in the unpredictable terrain of the NFL. Despite participating in every game, his statistics revealed a period of adaptation: Smith recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss in the 2023 season.
However, Smith's role dramatically diminished in the postseason. In the NFC wild card round, Smith logged a mere four snaps during the Cowboys' loss to the Green Bay Packers. This limited playtime underlined the struggle Smith faced in solidifying his spot and effectiveness on the field.
Weight and Fit in Defensive Schemes
In his college career at Michigan, Smith's playing weight was listed at 337 pounds in 2022. By the time he attended the 2023 NFL Combine, he dropped to 323 pounds. The transition to Dan Quinn's defensive scheme with the Cowboys required further weight reduction, bringing Smith below 300 pounds.
Mike Zimmer, the newly appointed defensive coordinator, acknowledged the challenges Smith faced due to this weight loss. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," Zimmer explained. Recognizing the impact of this weight loss on Smith's performance, Zimmer plans to allow him to return to a more substantial playing weight.
Smith himself reflected on the adjustments and future plans under Zimmer's direction. "I did everything I was supposed to do and did nothing but train. Everything in my power. Control the controllables. In this scheme, I don't want to be 290. Probably want to be like 310-315. See what that's doing for you. If you have to go up [more in weight], go up," acknowledged Smith. His candidness about weight adjustments underscores the intricate balance players must maintain to suit varying tactical demands.
The Path Ahead
Under Zimmer’s guidance, the focus is on returning Smith to a playing weight between 310 and 315 pounds. Zimmer's plan is clear: "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly." This back-to-basics approach aims to leverage Smith's inherent strengths while honing his fundamental defensive skills.
Zimmer elaborated, "He was trying to be an attacking three-technique to get up the field... Obviously, he was a high draft pick. I heard that he kind of struggled last year, so we're gonna start with the basics. Get him in a good stance, get him using his hands the right way, getting his footwork the right way and then go from there."
Smith is enthusiastic about this fresh start. "I kind of go over there with a clean slate. I want to write my story. I don't really set goals. Everybody wants to be an All-Pro. Everybody wants to be top five. I want to be the best me I can be," Smith shared, signaling his readiness to embrace the new direction.
Support from Teammates
The sentiment within the Cowboys' locker room also reflects optimism and confidence in Smith's potential. Micah Parsons, one of the team's standout players, emphasized the critical role Smith is expected to play. "It's not what I think he can be, it's what Mazi has to be. When you get to this business, there is no more of a choice or a can: it's either you will or you won't... We drafted him to be in the game. That's how much confidence I have," Parsons stated unequivocally.
Parsons’ comments underscore the high expectations and the supportive environment Smith is part of. "That's why I'm in his corner. I'm rooting for him and hoping to get him better every day... We need Mazi to be that great force. He can be a dominant player. It's just a will and mindset," Parsons added.
Smith's determination to adapt and thrive is evident. "My whole career I've been a guy who could play in multiple schemes. I got the athletic traits to be an up-field guy, but I have the strength to play at the line of scrimmage and build a wall," Smith highlighted, referring to his versatility and the physical attributes that promise to make him a pivotal part of the Cowboys' defense.
The collective outlook suggests that Smith's journey is just beginning. With a refined focus on fundamentals and a supportive team environment, Mazi Smith looks poised to transform potential into performance, making him a player to watch as he develops within Mike Zimmer's new defensive plan.