Thoughts on Mazi thus far

[Coogiguy03]

Most rookies (even first rounders) don’t show up fully developed and fully impactful. They need patience and time to develop into their talent. Micah Parsons was but he’s the exception not the rule.

The talent difference between college fb and the NFL is wide. Mazi Smith is a developing player two games into his career.

Haze you're someone I can feel I can ask this question to. When coog played college football, one thing the coach stressed was to make an impression. I'm aware that he's young, different game etc etc but is it asking too much for the player to just show a little something. I'm not saying be all world, be like micah, have loaded stats in two games. I feel like there's so much you can do to make an impression. Small steps first, use that power and strength to knock an opposing lineman 3 yards back in the back field, that's all i'm saying

 

[Coogiguy03]

He was drafted to fix the run defense ....... and it has been outstanding compared to before he was drafted.

Is that only for RB's or does that mean stopping the QB running up the middle

 

[Coogiguy03]

That was something I noticed pre draft. But I have confidence Quinn can mold this kid into a really good NT
I haven’t seen how many snaps he had yesterday but in the 17 he had first game he played pretty good

He's had all summer can we start to see just a little more maybe?

 

[Ken]

Have to review the tape but Baldy showed him helping to stuff the qb sneak yesterday, that is a big reason why we have him.

 

[erod]

He's a run-stopping nose tackle. Rarely will he flash. That's the idea.

 

[Twin928]

Run D seems much improved. That’s good enough for me

That’s big Hank osi Clogging the middle go rewatch mazi was getting pushed bro he needs time

 

[conner01]

He's had all summer can we start to see just a little more maybe?

Developing a NT is a slow process. It’s a very hard position to learn because these kids just use brute strength in college and that won’t work in the nfl. Learning to use leverage and technique over brute strength
But he’s a NT and he’s not gonna ever be a huge pass rush threat with the way he’s used. His job is clog the middle and push the pocket.
In game 1 he got 17 snaps and played pretty well. As for getting off the snap I’m sure Quinn has seen that and is working on speeding that up but it’s gonna take more than a few weeks of camp to develop him. Year over year improvement is what is really the key because instant stars on the inside of the dline is rare

 

[Crown Royal]

Way too early to care. Prefer to watch Osa (in his third year) blossom into a game wrecker.

 

[zrinkill]

Is that only for RB's or does that mean stopping the QB running up the middle

Run defense is different than defending against scrambling qb's.

Only one QB runs up the middle with his linemen pushing his tush ..... and we have not played them yet.

 

[Cowboysheelsreds058]

If looking for sacks, not happening. Now clogging up the run game in the middle and freeing up the LB to make plays that is why he is here.

 

[Ozone22]

I am going to watch the game again. Have to be honest with myself. I didn't really notice him because 100% of the time I'm watching Parson.

 

[charron]

Well he wasn't flagged or left a gaping hole to run through.

 

[CowboyRoy]

2 early games in his career, what are your thoughts, have you seen any improvement thus far since the pre season! Be reminded he is still developing (there I said it). Please give your thoughts

Little to no impact on the first two games whatsoever.

 

[RandyOh]

hasn’t been any sort of liability and is eating the blocks like he’s supposed to. Should be no complaints about the rook so far. Even had a TFL in the Giants game

 

[Jumbo075]

I think we need to give him a little time. I noticed (assuming I saw it accurately) on the 3rd and 1 when they stopped Wilson on the sneak only one defender got pushed back and it was Mazi. It was 100% technique related because if you watch it he was too high. Thus, obviously correctable and a teaching moment. Other than that play I didn't notice him specifically too much. I think he will be good for us. Luckily right now we have Hankins for that role so if he takes some time it will be ok.

Mazi needs to work with Micah next offseason to improve his get off. If anyone can help him fix that, it is the Lion.

 

[eromeopolk]

2 early games in his career, what are your thoughts, have you seen any improvement thus far since the pre season! Be reminded he is still developing (there I said it). Please give your thoughts

Still slow off the snap. But he is a rookie and will get better.

 

[RS12]

When he becomes a healthy scratch like Taco and Hill, I will start to worry about it.

 

[Bobhaze]

Haze you're someone I can feel I can ask this question to. When coog played college football, one thing the coach stressed was to make an impression. I'm aware that he's young, different game etc etc but is it asking too much for the player to just show a little something. I'm not saying be all world, be like micah, have loaded stats in two games. I feel like there's so much you can do to make an impression. Small steps first, use that power and strength to knock an opposing lineman 3 yards back in the back field, that's all i'm saying

Coogs I think that’s fair to expect something from Mazi. I did see him make a play yesterday when he smelled out a screen pass and blew it up causing Zach Wilson to take a sack.

One thing I believe many Cowboys fans misunderstand is the role that a guy like Mazi Smith is supposed to play. He’s not expected to be a sack machine but he is expected to occasionally demand a double team in the run game or to just clog the los on running plays.

His value won’t always be spectacular. Just having him give some push to the G and/or C on a running play will go a long way toward improving the run defense. He has a lot of room for improvement but the dude is 22 and has played in 2 NFL games. Patience is not a fan virtue.

 

[kiheikiwi]

Good news for Mazi is that while Parsons and others are (Osa) are all balling out. It allows him more time to get used to the speed, and can be used sparingly while he learns. All good things for him and the team !

 

[DuncanIso]

He has 28 snaps in 2 games.

1 solo tackle.

That projects to 8.5 solo tackles and 238 snaps.

Not good.