Anybody even notice Mazi out there?

[lukemartin79]

I know he started the game, but I sure don't remember seeing him much at all. I don't remember even seeing him make one play even. He plays one of those positions that you don't always notice - sometimes thats good too. You don't want to notice him or hear his name too much because that can mean penalties or getting beat often. So maybe he did his job well, and I just didn't notice with all the defensive stars shining.
What were your opinions on Mazi yesterday ?

 

[WoodysGirl]

Still a little slow to shed at times and had one or two snaps slow off the ball, but thought it was a step in the right direction. Wasn't as good as I thought based off watching live but still happy with the performance #Cowboys

 

[Whyjerry]

I think Cleveland got out of the run game quick hence OZiggy and Kneeland got a lot of snaps at DT.

 

[CowboyFrog]

But did you notice the middle run lanes clogged to hell and the cleveland RB's trying to bounce outside? That was Mazi and Kendricks.

 

[Hawkeye19]

If Mazi is in the game and you don’t notice him— it likely means he is doing his job.

You only notice 1Ts when they are moved off the ball and the gaps are enormous up the middle in the running game and our LBs are on roller skates getting blocked by OL on the second level

 

[Hawkeye0202]

If Mazi is in the game and you don’t notice him— it likely means he is doing his jo

Bingo! Fans waiting for stats from him will be disappointed. He could have a career game with marginal stats. It is the nature of his position.

 

[blueblood70]

If Mazi is in the game and you don’t notice him— it likely means he is doing his job.

You only notice 1Ts when they are moved off the ball and the gaps are enormous up the middle in the running game and our LBs are on roller skates getting blocked by OL on the second level

right....

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

If Mazi is in the game and you don’t notice him— it likely means he is doing his job.

You only notice 1Ts when they are moved off the ball and the gaps are enormous up the middle in the running game and our LBs are on roller skates getting blocked by OL on the second level

This is probably true.

Annoying that this is probably his ceiling now, because he's shown nothing as a penetrator, but it is what it is. He can be a useful player this way.

 

[Whiskey Cowboy]

What I saw was our linebackers having clean lanes to flow to the ball. Didn't key in on Mazi and maybe that's something I'll do later this week. A general rule of thumb is if your linebackers are flying around and making plays, the interior defensive linemen are doing their jobs.

 

[Tabascocat]

He played a lot better than last season.

 

[Creeper]

Mazi was fine. He play 1T when they were in that formation the entire first half. Joseph and Phillips didn't come into the game until I think the 2nd defensive series in the 3rd quarter.

I thought Mazi played well. He did not get shoved off the LOS and he was able to control his blocker on most plays. He got a good push a few times. All in all he looked much improved over last year and that is really what we want to see.

 

[fivetwos]

If Mazi is in the game and you don’t notice him— it likely means he is doing his job.

You only notice 1Ts when they are moved off the ball and the gaps are enormous up the middle in the running game and our LBs are on roller skates getting blocked by OL on the second level

Yeah I had the same thought this morning.

Wanted to rewatch the game watching him exclusively, but then I realized that even after 50 years of watching this game, I never played it and don’t have the slightest clue on scheme….and I have no idea as to what they are asking him to do.

Besides, there’s enough geniuses around here that can enlighten me.

 

[Jarntt]

I thought Mazi played well. Didn't get any push up the field against the run or the pass that I remember but he held his ground and on a few plays he pushed his man laterally down the line toward the ball carrier. I'll take that all year

 

[Proof]

this seems like a very synergistic defense the way it's made up. (and how it should be) everyone feeds off micah, the dt's keep the lb's clean, who defend the middle of the field, and they all make the db's lives easier, who help them get home. we've got some good players and depth across each position group. whodathunk

 

[Blitzen]

I know he started the game, but I sure don't remember seeing him much at all. I don't remember even seeing him make one play even. He plays one of those positions that you don't always notice - sometimes thats good too. You don't want to notice him or hear his name too much because that can mean penalties or getting beat often. So maybe he did his job well, and I just didn't notice with all the defensive stars shining.
What were your opinions on Mazi yesterday ?

The funny thing is this should definitely point to the trouble caused with Quinn’s defensive scheme when talking about defending the run. They did a poor job of filling the linebacker spot last season and I’m talking about past just drafting Overshown. You need second level players that are big and fast-not just fast. The linebackers failed last season against the run more than the defensive line (especially on wide runs). Getting Kendricks and Overshown teamed together is the best thing that happened for the defense this offseason.

 

[Mikexike]

The defense is coming a long. Gotta love it... Best part about it is they don't seem to be fooled by an offense that runs lots of motion. That was a big problem with DQ...

 

[RonnieT24]

But did you notice the middle run lanes clogged to hell and the cleveland RB's trying to bounce outside? That was Mazi and Kendricks.

Yep.. I absolutely noticed that any and all attempts to run up the got were met with severe resistance. That told me all I needed to know about what Mazi was doing. Also that Watson nearly always had to bail to the outside when flush tole me that the middle of the pocket was not clean either.

 

[stilltheguru]

This is probably true.

Annoying that this is probably his ceiling now, because he's shown nothing as a penetrator, but it is what it is. He can be a useful player this way.

Next year is when I'd say for sure if he can be more. His off-season next year will be crucial but at the very least I'd bet on him being a good 1 tech next year vs the run.

 

[MikeT22]

If Mazi is in the game and you don’t notice him— it likely means he is doing his job.

Well thats what I try telling my boss too

 

[CATCH17]

Remember that next time you go clamoring for a Nose Tackle with a first round pick.


You dont take players like him with premium picks. That was dumb.

Had it panned out it was still dumb.