The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive struggles have taken a dramatic turn for the worse with the latest injury to their starting nose tackle, Mazi Smith. After a lackluster start to the season, news of Smith’s injury during Wednesday’s practice has left fans and coaches scrambling for solutions. In a season already marred by subpar defensive line play, Smith’s absence could be a massive blow to a team desperately needing to shore up its interior defense.
The Cowboys’ front office had previously attempted to bolster their defensive line by acquiring veterans Jordan Phillips and Linval Joseph after the preseason. Despite high hopes, neither player has made the expected impact. The struggles of both Phillips and Joseph have been highlighted by poor performances across the first two weeks, leaving the Cowboys’ defense vulnerable. Pro Football Focus (PFF) data reveals that among interior defenders with at least 30 snaps, Smith, Phillips, and Joseph rank near the bottom in grading, a clear indication of Dallas’ dire situation.
Something to keep an eye on. DT Mazi Smith had his back tighten up in practice. Cowboys need their tackles this week. Ceedee and Diggs I’m told should be ok #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/uL8z2MtD5z
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 18, 2024
Though Smith has shown flashes of potential, notably in his Week 1 performance against the Cleveland Browns, his inconsistency and difficulty in shedding blocks remain areas of concern. However, with Phillips now on injured reserve (IR) due to a wrist injury and Smith facing a back issue, the Cowboys’ defensive line depth is stretched thin. The team’s reliance on Smith has grown as he’s logged more snaps than his backups, making his injury particularly worrisome ahead of a critical matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
To address their depth issues, the Cowboys signed Carlos Watkins to the active roster. But Watkins, while experienced, may not be enough to solidify a defense that has already struggled to stop opposing run games. With looming matchups against dynamic offensive threats like Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the timing of Smith’s injury could not be worse for head coach Mike Zimmer and his already beleaguered defense.
The Cowboys’ hopes rest on Smith’s speedy recovery, but the road ahead looks increasingly challenging. As Dallas braces for upcoming high-powered opponents, the pressure is on for the team to find answers before their season slips further out of reach.
