Thoughts on Mazi thus far

[ChuckA1]

He has 28 snaps in 2 games.

1 solo tackle.

That projects to 8.5 solo tackles and 238 snaps.

Not good.

Not arguing, but maybe a better matrix is how many double teams he's taken on in those 28 snaps

 

[AbeBeta]

He wasn't out there much -- mostly because NJ had to go all pass as the game wore on.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

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

Yup, a NT isn't usually going to get stats. The fact that we made the Jets and Giants stop running early is a good sign. That means he and Hankins are doing their jobs.

 

[KJJ]

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

Heard Hankins name come up on a play but not Mazi’s.

 

[coult44]

When you have to put “reminders” out there about performance then that’s all you have to say about his play.

More to be desired.

He’s one of the players on what is probably the best defense in the NFL. Say what you want but he’s worth it.

 

[visionary]

Keep seeing good and bad snaps; about what I’d expect from the rookie.

There’s a lot of learning he needs to do. Hopefully, he has the kind of football character and will to hone his craft.

He’s gotta figure out you can’t win in the NFL on strength alone.

I think being around someone like Parsons and a pro like Hankins should help him

 

[kskboys]

If they can ever get him to fire off the ball at the snap, he will be a dominant force in the middle. He is strong as anyone. But he allows the OL to get to him instead of him getting to them.

Yes, by standing up at the snap. This can and will be corrected, but he quite simply will not be the pocket wrecker that he has the potential to be until this is fixed.

 

[ghst187]

I purposely watched him on 2 plays yesterday. He was the last guy to move on the snap. I know he will be very good for us. Just give him time and coach him up.

That’s what has bothered me since his college days, slooooooow off the snap. That has to improve

 

[Coogiguy03]

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.

See what I mean, thanks Haze nothing but love and respect

 

[jrumann59]

I believe he was one of the cowboys over there when Parsons stripped cook

 

[btcutter]

I purposely watched him on 2 plays yesterday. He was the last guy to move on the snap. I know he will be very good for us. Just give him time and coach him up.

That will help but his pad level is too high. It allows G to get under him and lift him up which negates his power. If Mazi can just learn to get under G's pads he would already improved by 100%.

 

[ChuckA1]

That will help but his pad level is too high. It allows G to get under him and lift him up which negates his power. If Mazi can just learn to get under G's pads he would already improved by 100%.

He will

 

[SiCk_DiAbLo]

Jets had 16 total yards rushing, compare that to last year. It's a Win...

 

[stilltheguru]

Mazi has a 73 pff grade.......if you put anything into their grades. For reference John ridgeway a cz favorite in a similar part-time role had a 48 grade last year and 60 this year. I'm just a messenger

 

[quickccc]

You're not gonna see him fully developed in just 2 mere games.
Come back by mid season or season's end.

 

[NickZepp]

He's a rookie. It'll take time for him to find his role. He's also gonna play a position that isn't really stats heavy in DT.

 

[reddyuta]

a DT who doesn't rush the passer should never be taken in the first rd,I would be hesitant to take one even in the 2nd rd.

 

[quickccc]

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.

The big word is " luckily" .. cuz should Hankins get hurt, we'll have to rely on the rookie Mazzi and it will have to
be an overnight success with da quickness.

Otherwise it comes down to JAG Gallimore as next man up as an emergency 1 tech swing guy.

 

[nyc-cowboy]

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

Dont expect much this year - check back in year 3.

 

[ChuckA1]

a DT who doesn't rush the passer should never be taken in the first rd,I would be hesitant to take one even in the 2nd rd.

When you have trouble stopping the run up the middle, you take a run stopping DT in the 1st