Adapting and Overcoming: Mazi Smith's Rookie Year with the Dallas Cowboys
In his rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys, Mazi Smith underwent a challenging yet educational season, marked by significant adaptations and a relentless drive to excel. Arriving from Michigan, where he was listed at 337 pounds in 2022, Smith faced a transformative journey that demanded both physical and mental resilience.
Mazi Smith's initiative to adapt began even before he set foot on the NFL field. At the 2023 NFL Combine, he weighed in at 323 pounds, reflecting his commitment to meeting professional standards. However, in a bid to fit into Dan Quinn's defensive scheme, Smith's weight further dipped to below 300 pounds.
In the 2023 season, Smith played all 17 regular-season games and recorded 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. Yet, despite these contributions, he logged a mere four snaps in the NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers. The disparity between his college dominance and professional struggles was palpable. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," said Mike Zimmer, the new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
A New Defensive Philosophy
With the arrival of Mike Zimmer, changes in defensive philosophy could provide Smith with the platform to fulfil his potential. Zimmer plans to allow Smith to return to a more substantial playing weight, targeting 310-315 pounds. "Zimmer's plan is for Smith to play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," Zimmer explained, emphasizing foundational techniques as the key to Smith's progression.
Smith, too, is optimistic about this change. "I did everything I was supposed to do and did nothing but train. Everything in my power. Control the controllables. In this scheme, I don't want to be 290. Probably want to be like 310-315. See what that's doing for you. If you have to go up [more in weight], go up."
This strategic adjustment aims to enhance Smith's impact on the field, recognizing his dual capability of disrupting plays and holding the line of scrimmage. "He was trying to be an attacking three-technique to get up the field. ... Obviously, he was a high draft pick. I heard that he kind of struggled last year, so we're gonna start with the basics. Get him in a good stance, get him using his hands the right way, getting his footwork the right way and then go from there," added Zimmer.
A Clean Slate and Renewed Commitment
Smith's rookie year clearly held lessons in both patience and perseverance. As he prepares for the upcoming season, he embraces the opportunity to redefine his professional journey. "I kind of go over there with a clean slate. I want to write my story. I don't really set goals. Everybody want to be an All-Pro. Everybody want to be top five. I want to be the best me I can be," Smith remarked, signaling a mature approach to his career development.
Smith's adaptive capabilities and his intrinsic motivation are not lost on his peers. Micah Parsons, one of the Cowboys' standout performers, has placed his faith in Smith's potential. "It's not what I think he can be, it's what Mazi has to be. When you get to this business, there is no more of a choice or a can: it's either you will or you won't... We drafted him to be in the game. That's how much confidence I have."
Parsons' support extends beyond mere words, as he actively roots for Smith's success. "That's why I'm in his corner, I'm rooting for him and hoping to get him better every day... We need Mazi to be that great force. He can be a dominant player. It's just a will and mindset."
This endorsement underscores the collective belief within the Cowboys organization that Smith possesses the requisite talent and mindset to flourish. His journey, though punctuated with challenges, is poised to take a defining turn under the revised defensive strategy.
Conclusion
Mazi Smith's rookie year serves as a testament to the rigors and adaptations intrinsic to the leap from college football to the NFL. With the tactical and philosophical shifts under Mike Zimmer, and the unwavering support from teammates like Micah Parsons, Smith is positioned to harness his full potential. The upcoming season will likely reveal how these calculated adjustments shape his career trajectory, as he strides towards becoming an indispensable force on the Cowboys' defensive front.