Mazi Smith is embracing his third pro season with a no-nonsense mindset, stepping into the Cowboys’ run-stopping role with a focus on becoming an anchor. After weight fluctuations and a revolving door of coordinators, he’s trimming toward a leaner 315 pounds and stressing mental readiness over social chatter. The team emphasizes a more aggressive, attack-first front, asking Smith to win 1-on-1s and shed doubles to free up teammates. Dallas’ run defense has been a sore spot, and the path to improvement hinges on interior pressure and consistent effort from Smith and co.

In this new scheme, Smith is expected to rush faster up the middle, splitting doubles and pressuring the quarterback rather than merely occupying bodies. The Rams game offered little in the box score, but double-team activity and the coaching staff’s insistence on a relentless style signal where the Cowboys want him to be—a stout, disruptive presence who can unlock the rest of the front.