Mazi Smith Faces Bench in Season Opener Amid Growing Concerns
Dallas Cowboys’ first-round draft pick Mazi Smith is experiencing a challenging start to his NFL career, and the outlook appears increasingly grim. Despite participating in all 34 games over the past two seasons, Smith has struggled to meet the expectations that come with being a high draft selection.
In the 2024 season, Smith’s performance statistics have raised eyebrows. He recorded just one sack, 41 tackles, and four tackles for loss, culminating in a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 34.8. His pass-rush grade stood at 49.6, while his run-defense rating was a mere 35.9—numbers that ranked him 202nd or worse among all interior defenders in the league.
Bench Role for Week 1 Against Eagles
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their season opener on Thursday night, Smith is set to take a significant step back. Reports confirm that he will not be suited up for the game, as detailed in the Cowboys’ list of inactives. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler previously indicated that Smith was likely to either be inactive or excluded from the core rotation, and the team appears to have made the decision to sideline him entirely.
Smith’s situation has been further complicated by a recent trade that saw the Cowboys acquire defensive lineman Kenny Clark from the Green Bay Packers. This move pushed Smith further down the depth chart, intensifying scrutiny over his role with the team.
Acknowledging Room for Improvement
Earlier this offseason, Smith openly recognized the necessity for improvement following a lackluster performance in the preseason opener. “I just have to keep getting better,” he remarked candidly. “The first [preseason game], I wasn’t happy with at all, to be honest. I didn’t do anything. I just need to keep learning the scheme and keep getting off the ball.”
His honesty highlights the weight of expectations he feels as a first-round pick. “You gotta do something. I’m a first-round pick. There’s expectations, and all that. This is my third year,” Smith stated, reflecting on his struggles.
While his self-awareness is commendable, it has yet to translate into improved performance on the field. As Smith sits out the opener against the Eagles, the Cowboys and their fans will be left wondering whether he can turn around his fortunes in the weeks to come.
The Road Ahead for Smith
With the pressure mounting, Smith’s path forward is uncertain. The Cowboys’ decision to bench him raises questions about his future role on the team and whether he can rise to the occasion when given another opportunity. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Smith to see if he can fulfill the promise that led to his selection in the first round.
