Dallas faces a defining season for its defense as Mazi Smith enters year three with a mandate to anchor the run stop. The club identifies two big holes—defensive tackle and cornerback—and while Jerry Jones hints at extra help, the responsibility to close the gap rests with Smith and a retooled unit. Smith stresses that the mental edge will unlock his physical tools, signaling a potential breakout if the head remains in the right gear.
Smith’s trajectory has been rocky—weight swings, three coordinators in three years, and a default 1-tech role. The piece suggests Matt Eberflus could be the catalyst for a meaningful leap if Smith buys into a consistent technique and situational discipline. With Trevon Diggs returning from injury and doors not fully closed on outside help, Dallas is betting on internal growth to steady the defense while preserving the 53-man setup.
The takeaway for fantasy eyes: watch Smith’s snap count and run-stopping success, plus Diggs’ health and how a fuller secondary reshapes the Cowboys’ defensive ceiling in early-season matchups.
