Cowboys’ Mazi Smith Acknowledges Struggles, Hopes to Earn Coaches’ Trust
t’s safe to say that if Mazi Smith were just another player, if the Cowboys had not squandered–er, spent–a 2023 first-round pick on him, that he would no longer be no the 53-man roster at this point. But the Cowboys did pick him, No. 26 out of Michigan, and because of that, the team needs to save face and see if there is yet something that can be made out of him.
But for now, Smith is something of an embarrassment for the franchise, inactive, in street clothes and called out by broadcaster Cris Collinsworth on national TV in the league’s Thursday night season opener last week. According to the Dallas Morning News, Smith is not expected to be active this week, either.
Mazi Smith: Coach ‘Believes in Me’
Coach Brian Schottenheimer has been saying, since news of Smith’s demotion set in, that the big issue coaches have with him is his lack of consistency.
Smith addressed his new status as a roster hanger-on when he spoke to reporters on Friday. “I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team and listen to my coaches and do exactly what they say, whether I’m playing or not,” Smith said.
Smith added that he has been taking Schottenheimer’s message on consistency to heart.
“Yeah, it was something I needed to hear from him.” Smith said. “I do, but you can definitely have a real conversation with him and what’s going on. He told me he believes in me and he knows what type of player I can be.”
Cowboys Have Given Smith Opportunities
Of course, it could be argued that the Cowboys have little need for Smith after the trade of Micah Parsons to the Packers brought back defensive lineman Kenny Clark–who does many of the things that the Cowboys would have liked to have seen from Smith.
Smith started all 17 games for the Cowboys last season but flopped, finishing with a PFF grade of 34.8, which ranked 207th among 219 interior defensive linemen in the NFL. If there is faith that Smith can turn things around, it’s hard to see where that faith is rooted.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus echoed Schottenheimer’s sentiment on Thursday.
“Just consistency,” Eberflus said when asked how Smith can get on the field more. “He’s done it. He just needs to do it at a more consistent level. And that’s really it. That’s been our message to him throughout the building, and he’s been improving on that.”
Ravens Legend Rises to John Harbaugh’s Defense After Week of Criticism
Ravens legend has stepped forward to defend head coach John Harbaugh following a tumultuous week filled with criticism and scrutiny. Amid calls from fans and analysts questioning his strategies, the veteran emphasized Harbaugh’s experience, leadership, and ability to guide the team through challenging moments.
“People forget how much John has done for this organization,” the Ravens great said. “He’s been there through thick and thin, and a single tough week doesn’t define his legacy. The man knows how to get the best out of his players and keep this team competitive every season.”
The comments come after the Ravens faced a series of on-field struggles, leaving fans frustrated and eager for changes. Despite the criticism, the legend highlighted Harbaugh’s consistent focus on discipline, preparation, and adaptability—traits that have kept Baltimore relevant in the playoff hunt for years.
As the Ravens prepare for upcoming matchups, this public support aims to reinforce confidence within the locker room, reminding players and fans alike that Harbaugh’s leadership remains a cornerstone of the team. Analysts suggest that backing from former stars could ease pressure and stabilize team morale ahead of crucial games.
