Concerns Mount for Cowboys’ Defense as Mazi Smith Faces Criticism
The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive struggles were on full display in their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, raising eyebrows and igniting discussions about personnel decisions. A notable point of contention has been the absence of defensive tackle Mazi Smith, who was a healthy scratch for the game. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from analyst Cris Collinsworth, who highlighted the implications of Smith’s sidelining amid a shaky defensive front.
Defensive Woes Against the Eagles
In their clash at Lincoln Financial Field, the Cowboys’ defense struggled significantly against the Eagles’ rushing attack. Despite bolstering their lineup with the addition of Kenny Clark, a defensive tackle acquired in the trade involving Micah Parsons from the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys found themselves overwhelmed in the first half. As the teams headed into halftime, the Cowboys trailed 21-20, underlining a pressing need for improvement.
The defensive unit, led by coach Matt Eberflus, has been tasked with addressing these issues. However, the coaching staff’s apparent lack of confidence in Mazi Smith—once a first-round draft pick—suggests deeper concerns about his readiness to contribute.
Collinsworth’s Critical Commentary
During the NBC broadcast, Collinsworth did not hold back in his assessment of Smith’s absence. He provocatively stated that being inactive in a game like this, particularly with the Cowboys’ current struggles at defensive tackle, was akin to being cut from the team.
“If you’re inactive with what they’ve got at defensive tackle, that’s as close to being cut as you can be, right?” Collinsworth remarked. “It’s quite the statement about your former number one pick.”
Such words reflect the gravity of the situation and the expectations that come with being a high draft selection. Smith, who was chosen as the 26th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has yet to make a significant impact, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning his future with the team.
Mazi Smith’s Career Trajectory
Since entering the league, Smith has played in all 34 of the Cowboys’ regular-season games, starting 20 of them. However, his performance—54 total tackles and two sacks—has not met the lofty expectations associated with his draft position. As the season unfolds, Smith may need to prove himself worthy of a spot in the defensive rotation if he hopes to regain the coaching staff’s trust.
As the Cowboys and Eagles faced a lightning delay with Philadelphia leading 24-20 in the third quarter, the focus intensified not only on the game but also on the implications of decisions made off the field. With the pressure mounting, the Cowboys will need to reevaluate their strategies and personnel if they aim to turn their season around.
