Dallas Cowboys 2nd Year Defensive Tackle Continues To Struggle

The Dallas Cowboys are in a make-or-break year. After last year ended in disappointment yet again, this feels like the last shot for this iteration of the team. Dak Prescott is in the final year of his contract, and there seem to be no signs that the team is extending him. Mike McCarthy needs to show that he can coach a championship team again, or he may find himself on the hot seat. With all the uncertainty coming out of Dallas, fans are troubled to hear that second-year defensive tackle Mazi Smith is still struggling.

Dallas Cowboys Mazi Smith Still Struggling

The Dallas Cowboys took the freak athlete out of Michigan in the first round last year. He did not have the impact they were hoping for. Mazi Smith struggled to stay on the field and get reps because of how poor he was playing. It seems things are going to get worse before they get better. Cowboys insider Bryan Broaddus gave this update on the former first round pick.

“There should be some concern about Mazi’s [Smith] well-being… Well-being is something that people deal with. They deal with having success, maybe not having success, struggling with the pressures of things… there are things of a young player when you deal with the expectations, and then where you’re at can be a little rough on players.”

Last year was so discouraging that Mazi Smith is dealing with emotional trauma. Other reports indicate he still struggles with the basics and is having to go back to square one on a lot of football moves. While this is definitely concerning, there is some hope.

Mike Zimmer To The Rescue

With Dan Quinn leaving for the Washington Commanders, the Dallas Cowboys brought in veteran Mike Zimmer to be the defensive coordinator. Zimmer has a history of elite defenses and could be just what Mazi Smith needs. In a recent interview, Zimmer talked about Smith. 

“Obviously he was a high draft pick, and I heard that he kinda struggled a little bit last year. We’re gonna start with the basics.”

It is now on Zimmer to try to build the confidence of their young defensive tackle. There is no question about his talent, as Smith is one of the most athletic defensive tackles in the league. However, he has to show he can use that athleticism effectively within the construct of the defense. If Zimmer can get Mazi Smith to make a year two leap, the Dallas Cowboys could have a dominant defense in 2024.