Mazi Breakout Incoming?

[Chasing6]

So, just glancing at some of his film from last year (about 30 minutes of good and bad), and considering he's going into this 3rd year, I'd say a "break out" year is possible.

I like him more than Jon Ridgeway.

Mazi got better last year at doing what he was brought in to do, which is take up blockers and help stuff the run.

He's not as bad as I thought if you look into it. He's not the only defender responsible for stopping runners. This could be the year for him.

So, I'll change my answer. I'm a little more optimistic on Mazi. He's got some hustle to his game and isn't nearly as lazy as some try to make it seem.

If he could put on 15 pounds and still stay the same speed, we may have a better run defense this year.

I'd like to see them bring in a vet via FA.

Coaching staffed basically ruined his first year.

 

[KJJ]

Have no real hope for Mazi. He was a swing and a miss. He’ll either get cut at some point or be gone in free agency.

 

[bewp7]

acne is the only break out mazi will ever have

what a bust!!!!!

 

[thunderpimp91]

So, just glancing at some of his film from last year (about 30 minutes of good and bad), and considering he's going into this 3rd year, I'd say a "break out" year is possible.

I like him more than Jon Ridgeway.

Mazi got better last year at doing what he was brought in to do, which is take up blockers and help stuff the run.

He's not as bad as I thought if you look into it. He's not the only defender responsible for stopping runners. This could be the year for him.

So, I'll change my answer. I'm a little more optimistic on Mazi. He's got some hustle to his game and isn't nearly as lazy as some try to make it seem.

If he could put on 15 pounds and still stay the same speed, we may have a better run defense this year.

I'd like to see them bring in a vet via FA.

From what I see Mazi is fine in that “plugger” type of role where he can just eat blocks. The issues for him come when the Oline gets in motion. Slow to read/react to down blocks, traps, etc. also just doesn’t seem to have a great feel for flowing with the OL on zone runs. It’s one of those things you hope improves with reps, I just didn’t see much improvement in that area as the year went on.

 

[Pass2Run]

I believe the future of Mazi was predictable when Mazi declared he didn't like football very much. That's a foolish thing to admit when a player wants to establish a career in pro football. He'll have to show way more interest in being a starter when preseason commences. Otherwise, he'll eventually be cut. If that's what he wants, it's quite likely to happen. Physical ability means very little, minus real desire. Let's hope he changes his outlook to improve his lot in life.

He was joking around. He was saying he doesn't talk, as in he lets his actions do the talking. Then, they were asking him questions and he said,"I don't even like football; I just like to hit people."

If you have an inkling of a sense of humor, you know he was joking.

I went back and watched. He's not playing terribly. They didn't have Tank out there, which is one reason they weren't very good at run defense.

 

[Pass2Run]

From what I see Mazi is fine in that “plugger” type of role where he can just eat blocks. The issues for him come when the Oline gets in motion. Slow to read/react to down blocks, traps, etc. also just doesn’t seem to have a great feel for flowing with the OL on zone runs. It’s one of those things you hope improves with reps, I just didn’t see much improvement in that area as the year went on.

Yeah, he lost the ball a few times. But when he knows where the ball is and has a line to the play, he makes a line and hustles to the ball.

A lot of people, including myself, don't see him standout it games. So they assume he's not doing anything. But he's taking two blockers and a lot of times not even being moved at all.

So, let's see. He's not a pass rusher. But I think he can be a run a stopper for us.

 

[75boyz]

From what I see Mazi is fine in that “plugger” type of role where he can just eat blocks. The issues for him come when the Oline gets in motion. Slow to read/react to down blocks, traps, etc. also just doesn’t seem to have a great feel for flowing with the OL on zone runs. It’s one of those things you hope improves with reps, I just didn’t see much improvement in that area as the year went on.

Not sure what film is being watched but I saw individual guards and centers push him backwards at the snap at the start, middle and end of year.
I failed to recognize any winning at the point of attack by causing double teams/plugging. He was handled one on one just fine.

Yeah, I don't see it.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Not sure what film is being watched but I saw individual guards and centers push him backwards at the snap at the start, middle and end of year.
I failed to recognize any winning at the point of attack by causing double teams/plugging. He was handled one on one just fine.

Yeah, I don't see it.

Gotta keep in mind that what I'm referencing is simply old school power football block the man in front of you plays that I think Mazi does a decent job on. Those are the minority of run plays in the modern game. Its mostly a zone run league where the OL is going to be moving left to right and Mazi struggles heavily when this happens. I just dont think his brain processes what is happening in front of him quick enough, and I'd bet a lot of money that is exactly why uses such a delayed motion at the snap.

 

[75boyz]

Gotta keep in mind that what I'm referencing is simply old school power football block the man in front of you plays that I think Mazi does a decent job on. Those are the minority of run plays in the modern game. Its mostly a zone run league where the OL is going to be moving left to right and Mazi struggles heavily when this happens. I just dont think his brain processes what is happening in front of him quick enough, and I'd bet a lot of money that is exactly why uses such a delayed motion at the snap.

Yep exactly, the mental aspect you described(slow get off) combined with any simple lateral movement while engaged is way beyond poor.

Seems strange to use such a simple description but he is just very poor at the basic requirements of his job.

Not just bad.
But extremely poor.
And the film shows it.

 

[gtb1943]

Coaching staffed basically ruined his first year.

that excuse is now past its sell by date

 

[darthseinfeld]

so you still claim him being slow off the ball after two years is all coaching
sure

He blames the coaches for everything

 

[Chasing6]

that excuse is now past its sell by date

It did not need to be sold. It's a fact.