Mickey: Mazi needs to step forward

[Rockport]

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/spagnola-guy-called-the-maz-please-step-forward

Nice article from Mickey about Mazi needing to be the player that Dallas expected when they drafted him.
How the new DL coach and Zimmer and his scheme will benefit Mazi. However Mazi needs to step up as well.

Mickey did not tow the company line on this one.

Weight loss, played out of position than he played in college. Shoulder injury hampered him as well the last part of the season.
Only played 4 snaps in the GB playoff game nd only 25% of the regular season snaps. How much is that on DQ and the injury.

Zimmer and the new DL coaches, Zgonina and Ellis believe they can get this corrected.

I really like what I’ve heard from Zgonina. With him and Zimmer, these defensive players better get ready to work. He’s not going to take any BS from these guys.

 

[maryquality]

I really like what I’ve heard from Zgonina. With him and Zimmer, these defensive players better get ready to work. He’s not going to take any BS from these guys.

I say put Zgonina on the line!! Looks like he can still play!!

 

[Sydla]

This might be the most important development to the success of the Cowboys in 2024. If Smith can't make the jump, DT is in bad shape and teams will jam it down our throats again.

 

[DuncanIso]

Mazi wasn’t the starter.

Hankins was.

AA gap scheme has 2 LBs in the A gaps.

Both DTs are in the B gaps.

 

[Flamma]

It’s a fair point, he can still develop, but there remains 2 concerns that are unresolved at this point:

1. The team’s bizarre use of him as a 1T. Why have him shed weight when you drafted him to supposedly plug up holes and absorb blockers and contribute in the running game?

2. The reports of his emotional fragility. People inside the Star sound concerned that he just doesn’t have the mental and emotional fortitude and grit to grind at this level. He has the physical tools, but lacks the heart to leverage them into a successful career.

He has time, but he is trending towards bust status. He needs an impressive TC but his injury recovery is likely going to hamper his ability to get up to speed.

My only contention was that people expected results year 1. He may very well be a bust. How many late round DTs turn out to be all pros? We don't ever draft high enough to get a good DT, and even then it could take a few years. We don't trade up for one, right? The Eagles do. Other teams do. What should we expect?

 

[jazzcat22]

It’s a fair point, he can still develop, but there remains 2 concerns that are unresolved at this point:

1. The team’s bizarre use of him as a 1T. Why have him shed weight when you drafted him to supposedly plug up holes and absorb blockers and contribute in the running game?

2. The reports of his emotional fragility. People inside the Star sound concerned that he just doesn’t have the mental and emotional fortitude and grit to grind at this level. He has the physical tools, but lacks the heart to leverage them into a successful career.

He has time, but he is trending towards bust status. He needs an impressive TC but his injury recovery is likely going to hamper his ability to get up to speed.

Oh you mean that worthless Broaddus guy. He makes stuff up because he doesn't like a player. Then everyone runs with it and repeats it enough to hope the masses believe it.

 

[jazzcat22]

Mick is always the ultimate company man. so frankly I doubt this is him going off the reservation.

Nothing showing company mans in this article. But it is more important some find fault than it is to discuss the topic.

 

[jazzcat22]

I really like what I’ve heard from Zgonina. With him and Zimmer, these defensive players better get ready to work. He’s not going to take any BS from these guys.

Too bad many of the naysayers will not watch this or be over critical.

 

[diamonddelts]

He will be on skates again this fall.

 

[jazzcat22]

He will be on skates again this fall.

Skating into the QB for sacks.

 

[Rockport]

My only contention was that people expected results year 1. He may very well be a bust. How many late round DTs turn out to be all pros? We don't ever draft high enough to get a good DT, and even then it could take a few years. We don't trade up for one, right? The Eagles do. Other teams do. What should we expect?

Keep the faith Flamma and don’t go down the rabbit hole the negative folks do.

 

[DanTanna]

Did Mickey address Mazi's ONE SECOND DELAY at the start of every snap dating all the way back to Jr. High? Until that is fixed Mazi isn't NFL material, end of story.

 

[Rockport]

Did Mickey address Mazi's ONE SECOND DELAY at the start of every snap dating all the way back to Jr. High? Until that is fixed Mazi isn't NFL material, end of story.

Link to that rumor?

 

[shabazz]

..if the guy was a bust, they'll know this year.

2nd year better for gauging talent.

Yup, this young man needs to at least start trending upward.

Besides the team needing him, he needs to start building a resume that will get him his first major contract......we shall see

 

[big dog cowboy]

The new scheme fits him better. Hopefully healthy now. A DC and position coach that seem to know what they are doing better than last year. The weight issue finally resolved (no clue what they were trying to do last year).

There are many positive signs going into this season with Mazi. Clearly the Cowboys are really counting on him. Let's keep our fingers crossed he can get on the field and start making some plays!

 

[fivetwos]

People keep talking about Mazi like he is a bust. DTs often don't show up year 1. Not everyone is Aaron Donald. Very few are. Vita Vea didn't do anything in year 1. Williams of the Jets didn't do crap until midway through season 2. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis of the Eagles have been non existent. It takes DTs several years. A lot of these guys are high first round picks, what do you expect from a late round first pick?

Very true, but this teams first round pick is always their big off season acquisition, so expectations are set high.

 

[gtb1943]

Keep the faith Flamma and don’t go down the rabbit hole the negative folks do.

Mary Poppins is a bad look for you

 

[Flamma]

Keep the faith Flamma and don’t go down the rabbit hole the negative folks do.

I am. I fully expect him to contribute. I'm not calling him a bust. No reason to. Not this early.

 

[KJJ]

Everyone is worried about Mazi. It could end up being a disaster upfront if he’s not at least serviceable.

 

[KingCorcoran]

People keep talking about Mazi like he is a bust. DTs often don't show up year 1. Not everyone is Aaron Donald. Very few are. Vita Vea didn't do anything in year 1. Williams of the Jets didn't do crap until midway through season 2. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis of the Eagles have been non existent. It takes DTs several years. A lot of these guys are high first round picks, what do you expect from a late round first pick?

Davis looks like a “bust”. He should have done what Smith did, lose weight. Carter had a solid rookie season. Cowboys would have been thrilled if Mazi had produced what Carter did.