“Rebound Riders: 3 Cowboys Poised for a Strong Comeback Season”

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they approach the upcoming season. While the clamor for bolstering their ranks intensified, especially with competitors like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers making significant moves, the Cowboys opted for a more restrained approach. This decision saw key veterans depart via free agency while prioritizing the infusion of youth through the draft. Now, as the 2024 season looms, the spotlight shifts to several players who must elevate their performances to propel the Cowboys forward.

Mazi Smith

Mazi Smith, selected as the Cowboys’ top pick in last year’s draft, represented a strategic shift towards fortifying their run defense. Known for his prowess in stuffing the run and disrupting interior offensive lines, Smith arrived with high expectations. However, his rookie campaign fell short of projections, seeing him feature sparingly on defense with just 26% of snaps. Despite this limited role, Smith managed 13 tackles, including three for a loss, and one sack. Adjustments were made as he trimmed down to better fit Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme following Jonathan Hankins’ departure to the Seahawks.

Heading into his sophomore year, the pressure mounts for Smith to assert himself as a linchpin in the Cowboys’ defensive front. With the spotlight squarely on him, Smith’s ability to anchor the rush defense becomes paramount, not only for personal growth but also to fulfill the team’s strategic needs.

Terence Steele

Terence Steele’s journey has been one of peaks and valleys, starting as an undrafted rookie thrust into the starting lineup and weathering critiques about his consistency in pass protection. Despite showing promise as a proficient run blocker, Steele’s struggles with pass defense have persisted, drawing scrutiny even after signing a substantial five-year, $86.8 million extension.

Injuries have also played a role in Steele’s narrative, notably an ACL injury in 2022 that tested his resilience. As the Cowboys’ offensive line undergoes a transitional phase, with rookies likely starting at key positions, Steele’s stabilizing presence is crucial. The expectation is clear: Steele must deliver reliable performance in pass protection to ensure continuity and effectiveness in Dak Prescott’s passing game.

Damone Clark

Damone Clark’s role in the Cowboys’ linebacker corps takes on added significance as the team transitions under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Clark, who showed promise but also areas needing improvement in his play last season, must elevate his game to solidify the linebacker unit. With Zimmer likely to implement a more traditional defensive approach, the onus falls on Clark to sharpen his instincts and execution.

Joined by veteran Eric Kendricks and bolstered by emerging talents like Marist Liufau and DeMarvion Overshown, Clark’s experience becomes a linchpin in fostering cohesion and effectiveness. His ability to diagnose plays swiftly and assertively will be pivotal in shoring up the Cowboys’ run defense, a critical area for improvement this season.

As the Cowboys navigate the challenges and expectations of the upcoming season, the performances of Mazi Smith, Terence Steele, and Damone Clark loom large. Each player faces unique challenges and opportunities to impact their respective units positively. For Smith, it’s about asserting dominance in the trenches; for Steele, it’s rectifying pass protection issues; and for Clark, it’s becoming a defensive linchpin under a new coaching regime.

In essence, the success of these players will not only shape their individual trajectories but also significantly influence the Cowboys’ collective fortunes. With the NFC East competition heating up, Dallas can ill-afford regression from key contributors. Instead, they need these players to rise to the occasion, setting the stage for a compelling season of growth, adaptation, and hopefully, success.