Mazi's weight loss an issue? Jordan Davis did the same, let's see what can happen

[Zekeats]

Mazi's problem seems to be more psychological than anything. On one of the Cowboys shows a week or so ago they were saying if coaches got on him he just checked out

Mazis problem was he sucked in college shoulda been a 5th round pick and wasn't. So basically Mazis problem is our talent evaluators way overrating him.

 

[Pola_pe_a]

Jordan Davis can get off the ball, Mazi cannot.

 

[NDGAEDE]

Mazi's just not good.

Scheme changes, coach changes, weight gains, weight loss--doesn't matter. He's just not good.

I'll be surprised if he's on the roster when the season starts. Traded or cut.

 

[Creeper]

I don't think it is weight either really, but going up and down every year can't be the best thing for him. To me his problem is and always have been his slow reaction time. Imagine Mazi driving a dragster. The lights flash green and his opponent gets off quickly while Mazi takes a half second to pop the clutch. He is at an immediate disadvantage. In football it is actually worse because the offensive lineman has the benefit of knowing the snap count. The OG or C is up and out of his stance getting his feet set before Mazi can get into position. Mazi's hand are not up in time and the OG gets to his chest and the battle is over right there. It is a testament to his strength and athleticism that Mazi sometimes holds up to this.

I think the Cowboys hope that the weight loss makes him quicker but in Mazi's case it won't because his problem is reaction time. He need to get going with the snap and for some reason he can't all the time. If he can't correct this problem he won't ever be good. I wonder if there are drills that can teach him to react faster.

Or, maybe Mazi is one of those guys who has the talent but does not care to work harder to improve. I don't think they will cut him this year but I do think he will not get a 5th year option and he will be gone after his rookie contract is up - if not sooner.

 

[mcmvp]

https://www.nfl.com/news/down-26-pounds-eagles-dt-jordan-davis-aims-to-do-a-lot-more-in-2025

Davis came into the league at 341 pounds. He has dropped 26 pounds and at 6'6", 315, will be interesting to see if he still the same run stopper.

Mazi went from about 330 to 308 if I recall. Now Mazi was never the same prospect that Davis was, and Mazi never showed anyone that he could eat space like Davis. But I think we can agree that what the coaches did to Mazi, making him lose that weight, did nothing for his game. IMO Mazi was never given an honest chance to prove that he could be that run stopper in the middle at 330+. It is rare for a DT to be a solid starter right out of college. Do I think Mazi is a good football player? No, but perhaps if the coaching staff let him take his lumps at DT weighing in at 330, he could have at least developed into an average DT instead of getting blown up at the line every play. That in itself would help the interior of the line.

I understand Davis did this on his own (contract year, wants to be better). Surprisingly, on only 1/3 of the snaps, Davis had the same effectiveness against the QB that Milton Williams did. If Davis loses his effectiveness, then we might be able to give justification to the position that the coaches are in part to blame for Mazi's ineffectiveness. If Davis becomes a better player and Mazi can't put it together, then maybe Mazi needs to find a new home.

Mazi stepping up would be a boon for our defense.

If he came in at 341 then he gained a bit since then. He said in his presser that the 26 pound weight drop has him still at 330 currently. But a stronger, more conditioned, 330. He’s still a massive player

 

[mcmvp]

Must have been those cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. Can't have too much of a good thing. Contract year will do wonders. If he balls out this year, I wonder what Philly does with him, especially since Carter is in line for serious $$$$$. If Philly can't afford him, maybe he comes here.

lol….definitely

 

[KingCorcoran]

If he came in at 341 then he gained a bit since then. He said in his presser that the 26 pound weight drop has him still at 330 currently. But a stronger, more conditioned, 330. He’s still a massive player

If that’s true, paired with Carter, it will be very unpleasant for opponents.

 

[mcmvp]

If that’s true, paired with Carter, it will be very unpleasant for opponents.

Yes…they picked up his 5th year option…this is his year to elevate his game