Cowboys’ Dan Quinn: Mazi Smith’s arrow ‘going up’ after best game yet vs Giants

From @ToddBrock24f7: He had just 3 tackles on the day, but Smith’s solo TFL on Saquon Barkley in Week 10 could be the kind of moment that propels the rookie.

The final stat line won’t raise many eyebrows: three solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit. But Sunday’s 49-17 win over the Giants may turn out to be Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith’s big breakout.

Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is at least allowing for that possibility.

“I think you saw Mazi with the TFL, kind of looping around,” Quinn said to reporters this week, referring to a first-quarter play where he dropped Giants running back Saquon Barkley for a three-yard loss.

In the grand scheme of the game, it was a minor moment. But one that could have major repercussions for the 22-year-old rookie.

“It’d be nice if you just add water and you [get] instant kick-ass,” Quinn quipped. “But it takes time and coaching to get there, and he is certainly doing that. I thought [Sunday] was more of what we’ve seen in practice, so to see him come through like that and play well, being aggressive and taking his shots- he had some good pass rushes as well- sometimes you need that one moment to help kick you going.”

The nature of Week 10’s blowout win ended up giving Smith many moments, or at least extra playing time. He was on the field for 25 defensive snaps- nearly 44% of the unit’s reps- his most in a game since being drafted 26th overall by the Cowboys in April.

Quinn allowed that it’s been a ramping-up process for the 337-pounder. But unlike the fans who only chart gameday production and have been ready to label Smith a bust halfway through his first pro season, Quinn says the Michigan product has made steady and significant improvement within the D-line rotation.

“The inside player, we oftentimes measure somebody just on their sacks if you’re a defensive lineman,” Quinn explained, “but what impact do they have on the game?”

Smith had significant impact, earning a tip of the hat from PFF as their highest-graded rookie defensive tackle for Week 10.

Quinn pointed out that, even from his vantage point all the way up in the coaches’ booth, he could feel Smith’s quickness and movement versus New York. He also gave a shout-out to second-year defensive end Sam Williams and said that he sees both players’ arrows as still being very much on the rise.

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He admitted, though, that Smith needs the occasional reminder to fully unleash the freak strength and athleticism that earned him rave reviews at the college level.

“He wants to do it right so badly,” Quinn remarked. “I remind him every once in a while, ‘Hey, man, don’t forget to fire out and let somebody know. You don’t always have to be perfect; you’ve got make sure you’re knocking guys back.’ He really got that message.”

Saquon Barkley can attest to that. Now it’s up to Smith to pass the message along himself to rest of the league, one opposing running back at a time.

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