Mazi Smith's Rookie Journey: A Season of Adaptation and Resilience
Mazi Smith's rookie year with the Dallas Cowboys was an intense season marked by adaptation, relentless effort, and significant weight changes. From being a standout at the University of Michigan, weighing in at 337 pounds in 2022, to an evolving player in the NFL, Smith faced a series of challenges and learning experiences.
A Challenging Transition
Entering the 2023 season, Smith played all 17 regular-season games, showcasing his commitment and endurance. His statistics for the season were notable, recording 13 tackles, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss. However, his journey was not without hurdles. Smith struggled with the drastic weight cuts required to fit into Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme, dipping below 300 pounds by the end of the season.
In the NFC wild card round, Smith’s presence on the field was limited to just four snaps in a loss to the Green Bay Packers. Reflecting on the season, Mike Zimmer, the newly appointed defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, highlighted the impact of the weight loss on Smith's performance. "Zimmer noted Smith lost a lot of weight when he joined the Cowboys and struggled last year," he mentioned, indicating that Smith's lighter frame might have hindered his effectiveness.
A New Direction Under Mike Zimmer
With Zimmer's introduction to the defensive strategy, a significant change is underway for Smith. Zimmer plans to allow the young defensive lineman to return to a more substantial playing weight, intending for him to play at around 310-315 pounds. This shift is rooted in a strategic overhaul that focuses on training Smith to "play blocks more and use his hands and footwork correctly," according to Zimmer.
The new scheme aims to harness Smith’s inherent strength and agility. As Smith himself noted, "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."
Confidence and Expectations
The expectations for Smith remain high within the team. Micah Parsons, a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense, emphasized the urgency and importance of Smith’s development. "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 asserted.
Parsons' confidence in Smith is paired with a mentor-like support. "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."
Smith's Mindset and Versatility
Smith's own reflections on his career indicate a player determined to maximize his potential. "My whole career I've been a guy who could play in multiple schemes. I got the athletic traits to be an up-field guy, but I have the strength to play at the line of scrimmage and build a wall," Smith explained, underscoring his versatility and readiness to adapt to varying defensive strategies.
Taking on the future with a clean slate, Smith is motivated to carve out his own path. "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," he remarked, hinting at a focused and self-driven approach to his career moving forward.
Looking Forward
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the adjustments to Mazi Smith's training and weight regimen will be closely watched. With Zimmer’s strategic changes and Parsons’ mentorship, the team hopes to see a more dominant and effective Smith on the defensive line.
The collective confidence and support within the Cowboys organization suggest that Smith's journey is far from over. With a renewed approach and a determined mindset, Mazi Smith’s sophomore season is poised to build on the lessons and experiences of his challenging rookie year, aiming for greater impact and success on the field.