The Dallas Cowboys‘ run defense has been a topic of conversation well before this week.
DT Johnathan Hankins was traded to the Cowboys last season and has made his impact known, especially for his work up front and in the trenches. But his presence was missed heavily last week.
The Latest Update on Johnathan Hankins
So far this season, Hankins has 26 combined total tackles, three sacks, and two pass deflections.
“Big Hank” dealt with a high ankle sprain against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, and there has been no timeline for his possible return.
However, Hankins says it’s a realistic expectation that he could return to the field by Week 17 against the Detroit Lions. But the Cowboys’ defense can’t wait for his return to patch up the run defense.
Younger Talent Stepping Up
His presence was heavily missed against the Buffalo Bills, as their offense racked up 266 rushing yards in 49 attempts.
Hankins said it was a tough game to watch, and it wasn’t up to their standard as a defense.
He mentioned the team went back to the basics this week to ensure they only make the same mistakes once.
But to avoid repeating that against the Dolphins, Mazi Smith will need to take his game to another level this week.
Hankins is an 11-year veteran who knows working in the A-game can be challenging.
“It’s definitely not easy. It’s definitely a different world in [the A-game,]” said Hankins.
He also said it’s unrealistic to expect first-round draft picks like Smith to have the impact they had in college their first year in the NFL.
“For me, when I first got into the league, I wasn’t at this level that I am at now. You definitely have to learn and grow … You gotta learn the game, you gotta get an understanding for it and continue to get better, and everything else will fall in place,” said Hankins.
Hankins mentioned Smith has been open to doing this, and he has seen the young player studying the nuances of the game so he can apply it to his own.
“I think he’s been doing great. I think he’s been doing an amazing job,” said Hankins.
The veteran says it would be ideal for Smith to make more splash plays, but he reminds Smith that those plays will come as long as he continues to work and improve.
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As for what Hankins says Smith’s best trait is on the field, he said his speed, stating, “He’s quick when he wants to be quick. He’s definitely one of the strongest guys out there.”
Hankins said that Smith is clearly starting to understand the game more. However, with more snaps and playtime, Hankins feels the game will come naturally to the young player.
Mike McCarthy’s Assessment of Mazi Smith
Smith’s first start was against the Bills and didn’t jump off the stat sheet.
But earlier in the week, Mike McCarthy was asked about his assessment of Smith’s play, and he noted the room the rookie walked into, even being a first-round draft pick.
“I think Mazi is doing a hell of a job … He’s here to do a job that is dirty. This is not a statistic-filled role that is going to bring him a lot of notoriety,” said McCarthy.
It is expected for Smith to make his second start on Sunday against the Dolphins, and now, with more in-game reps under his belt, the rookie can make necessary adjustments.
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