Photo Credit: Dallas Cowboys
FRISCO, TEXAS — Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end Aldon Smith has received praise despite his five-year layoff. All eyes are glued on the new pass rusher, including those of head coach Mike McCarthy.
During his daily virtual press conference during training camp, McCarthy was asked if he had no idea who Aldon Smith was, what would be his thoughts coming out of practice. His answer left no room for deliberation on Smith’s progress.
“ I would say that if you walked away from practice, you’d say, hey, who the hell was No.58? That’s my thought when he walked out on the field for the first time. He looks good. I think his process back has not been a gradual one, but he’s hitting all the targets. You can see his power, his length is extraordinary. I’m very, very happy with where Aldon is right now. “
Since day one of camp, Smith certainly seems to be making up for time lost on the field. There is a certain tenacity he brings to the gridiron and the 30-year-old defended a screen pass on the first day of practice that turned heads. The play was notably worth celebrating but for Smith, the outcome was not to his standard.
“ The feeling was like I should’ve got the pick, “ Smith told media. “ I hold myself to a high standard and I always believe I can perform with the best and I feel like I’m one of the best. So whenever I step on the field I just want to produce. “
Thus far in camp, what he has been able to accomplish is what McCarthy deems “impressive.” At the outset of camp, a lot of questions were raised on the guy who had not played a snap of football in the NFL since he appeared in nine games for Oakland in 2015 or recorded a double-digit sack season since 2012.
Dallas desperately needed a pass rusher after the loss of Robert Quinn, and the club took a gamble on Smith with a one-year, $910,000 contract. Not only was his physical conditioning a concern and working back to his previous form, but he was also coming into an entirely new defensive system in place under Mike Nolan in Dallas.
However, Smith has made a seemingly effortless transition back. His strength and athleticism are on display during practice with no signs of “rust.” He has taken advantage of the first-team reps he has received during practice opposite DeMarcus Lawrence while the newly added Everson Griffen finishes COVID-19 protocols.
Smith has also had an invaluable learning experience going against Tyron Smith during practice that will only elevate his game even further.
“ I enjoy going against Tyron, “ Smith described to media. “ I believe Tyron’s one of the better tackles in our league if not the best. Going against him every day gives me a good look. If anything, we spoke about rush, but it helps me just get better every day. And it’ll help me going into every game that we play.”
It is still early in camp, but Smith has not missed a beat. He has done such an outstanding job in camp that it would be near impossible to detect that Smith spent five years away from the game.
His versatility fits in well with Nolan’s revamped defense. Smith is a jack-of-all-trades. He can stand up as an outside linebacker and move around providing run support or break up passes, which was his primary role with the 49ers. He will likely make an instant impact in whatever way he is used either from a two or three-point stance off the edge. Smith will benefit the Cowboys’ pass rush rotation with Griffen at right defensive end.
“… He’s a monster, “ Dak stated on Smith. “ Damn sure doesn’t look like he hasn’t played in five years. He doesn’t play like it. Energy would never tell you that. Very fortunate to have him on my team and not rushing me. He’s going to make all of us better. He’s a great player.”
