Why Mazi Smith's NFL Debut was pretty good - Video Analysis

[Beaker42]

I do a ton of research and analysis myself, so it's not shocking that these guys are pointing it out also. One of the primary places I've learned is right here on the site.

Anybody who’s played football or watched enough knows you gotta keep your *** down.

 

[1time4urMind]

No, it's even more simple than that. Mazi has a horrific habit of standing up at the snap. In doing so, he loses the leverage battle. He got away w/ it in college, as he is so strong he could manhandle most OL's even w/ this technique flaw.

Now, though, he's in the NFL where everyone is strong. If he ever corrects this flaw and stays low, he will be pushing the OL back into the QB on a regular basis. He has the strength to do so.

Hard to say why it's not corrected. He might be stubborn, but in all likelihood, it's just a matter of reconditioning his instincts. It's very hard to relearn something after doing it wrong for his entire career.

You got it. Although, I'd bet he was coached to stand up, read, and react. You can still see him do it, but...
I see a difference in his get off already on plays where it looks like he's asked to primarily get up field. And, the kid looks pretty disciplined out there. I like it.

 

[Kingofholland]

Do you still make them your first round draft choice?

Obviously you hope they can contribute right away. However, just because a player doesnt start in year 1 doesnt mean they wont be a good player. Just look at how many QBs sit their first year behind a vet.

 

[Kingofholland]

Yeah, thank goodness he wasn’t a first rounder like Carter. Now THAT’S what a 1st rounder looks like.

There's a difference between early and late 1st rounders in perceived readiness. Higher drafted players just come with higher immediate expectations.

Just for the record though. If Mazi gets a sack in today's game he'll equal the statistical production of Carter. Way too early to make judgements.

 

[Shane612]

Obviously you hope they can contribute right away. However, just because a player doesnt start in year 1 doesnt mean they wont be a good player. Just look at how many QBs sit their first year behind a vet.

I Think quarter backs are a little different. There is a lot more to know and grasp at the that position.
First round draft choice at a NT position should make a significant impact at some point in their first year.

 

[CowboyoWales]

Was Mazi Smith the DL available when Dallas drafted him?

Yes

Do you still make them your first round draft choice?

Yes. McClay was banging the table.....ask yourself the reasons why we were defeated vrs the 9ers in two play-off games, because we tend to overlook that we couldnt stop the run (IN BOTH GAMES), that created a scenario whereby Dak had to play out of his comfort zone and play hurry-up. If we were able to stop the run

Stopping the run is a facilitation....it creates long 3rd down = brings on our vaunted pass rush = gives our secondary a chance of a pickoff (and better field position) and gives Dak time.

Indeed Mazi's size will help 'facilitate' the pass-rush in time....creating gaps and needing double teams.....the problem is some fans only see: the actual SACK, the WR Catch or the PICK OFF.

If you noticed, this off-season we've strengthened the weaknesses (WR room, TE blocking, a second CB .....AND HELP STOPPING THE RUN).

 

[CowboyoWales]

I Think quarter backs are a little different. There is a lot more to know and grasp at the that position.
First round draft choice at a NT position should make a significant impact at some point in their first year.

Maybe at some point, but they are kids playing against veteran O-Line men who's body have NFL seasoning and experience. So you expected "significant impact" in game one, what were you actual expecting? His primary responsibilities are to:
a) stop the run,
b)stop the run and
c)help create lanes for the pass-rush.

.....and lets be fair c)'s happening anyway, so im fine with him (along with Hankins) stuffing the run atm.

 

[DuncanIso]

BUST!

I hope not.

We burned a 1st.

To be fair, our DL coach has some work to do.

 

[kskboys]

You got it. Although, I'd bet he was coached to stand up, read, and react. You can still see him do it, but...
I see a difference in his get off already on plays where it looks like he's asked to primarily get up field. And, the kid looks pretty disciplined out there. I like it.

No way. No one coaches DL's to stand up at the snap. That would be like coaching an olympic marksman to shoot themselves in the foot.

 

[kskboys]

Obviously you hope they can contribute right away. However, just because a player doesnt start in year 1 doesnt mean they wont be a good player. Just look at how many QBs sit their first year behind a vet.

Hardly any. Mahomes is the exception.

 

[Shane612]

Maybe at some point, but they are kids playing against veteran O-Line men who's body have NFL seasoning and experience. So you expected "significant impact" in game one, what were you actual expecting? His primary responsibilities are to:
a) stop the run,
b)stop the run and
c)help create lanes for the pass-rush.

.....and lets be fair c)'s happening anyway, so im fine with him (along with Hankins) stuffing the run atm.

Yes, it's one regular season game. So, let's give him some games to adjust etc....I agree.
For first round pick, you'd like see some signs of "special" ability during preseason games and some in the regular season.
If strength and agility are his strengths, I'd like see him collapse the pocket once in a while.
.
He doesn't have to dominate to be a success...just hold his own ground. Right now most of the time he's either being pushed out of play or not involved in the play.
.
It took a couple of years for Landry to find a spot for Randy White, but they knew he had the makings of a great player.

 

[CowboyoWales]

Yes, it's one regular season game. So, let's give him some games to adjust etc....I agree.
For first round pick, you'd like see some signs of "special" ability during preseason games and some in the regular season.
If strength and agility are his strengths, I'd like see him collapse the pocket once in a while.
.
He doesn't have to dominate to be a success...just hold his own ground. Right now most of the time he's either being pushed out of play or not involved in the play.
.
It took a couple of years for Landry to find a spot for Randy White, but they knew he had the makings of a great player.

Yep, it'll take a year under the physical conditioning/technical guidance of a NFL regime for him to play/dominate the older boys. Different when comparing to a WR (or DE that relies on speed), strength takes time to develop (under the peanut butter diet).

 

[Shane612]

Yes

Yes. McClay was banging the table.....ask yourself the reasons why we were defeated vrs the 9ers in two play-off games, because we tend to overlook that we couldnt stop the run (IN BOTH GAMES), that created a scenario whereby Dak had to play out of his comfort zone and play hurry-up. If we were able to stop the run

Stopping the run is a facilitation....it creates long 3rd down = brings on our vaunted pass rush = gives our secondary a chance of a pickoff (and better field position) and gives Dak time.

Indeed Mazi's size will help 'facilitate' the pass-rush in time....creating gaps and needing double teams.....the problem is some fans only see: the actual SACK, the WR Catch or the PICK OFF.

If you noticed, this off-season we've strengthened the weaknesses (WR room, TE blocking, a second CB .....AND HELP STOPPING THE RUN).

Let's not check off "Fix the run defense" box yet.
NYG didn't have lot of rushing yards, but when they ran, they ran pretty effectively.

 

[CowboyoWales]

Let's not check off "Fix the run defense" box yet.
NYG didn't have lot of rushing yards, but when they ran, they ran pretty effectively.

Oh yea, Im not writing off any of the boxes, but at least we acknowledge and attempted to address the issue, rather than waiting for a 3rd/4th Rd afterthought lottery ticket.

 

[1time4urMind]

No way. No one coaches DL's to stand up at the snap. That would be like coaching an olympic marksman to shoot themselves in the foot.

I know some D lineman are coached to do that in certian systems. Come out of the stance, hold the line of scrimmage while reading then reacting. So regardless of whether Mazi was coached to or not at Michigan, I don't need your confirmation.
Is it antiquated? Yup.
I have no idea what they were telling him at Michigan, but nobody was coaching him to play differently, obviously.
You isolated the softest, most meaningless and substance less part of my post, though.