“I haven’t seen the film, but I thought we did well against a strong defense,” Schottenheimer said. “They’ve only managed one sack in three of their four losses, so protecting Dak [Prescott] was key, and he looked comfortable out there.”
This week, the Cowboys decided to start Smith at left tackle. No matter where he plays, he holds himself to the same high standard he does as a left guard.
“The standard stays the same for me,” Smith explained. “Whether I’m on the left or right side or playing guard or tackle, I expect a lot from myself.”
According to Next Gen Stats, Smith allowed five pressures on 36 pass blocks but didn’t give up any sacks.
“It felt great to switch positions,” Smith said. “Last year, I was holding down the left guard position all season. For me, it’s about sticking to my fundamentals and technique. I aim to be the best player I can be in any position.”
Yet, switching positions isn’t as easy as it seems.
“It’s not simple to move around, especially without many reps this year,” Smith said. “But I take pride in being versatile. As long as I keep my fundamentals sharp, I can succeed whether at guard or tackle.”
Looking ahead, a big question for the Cowboys is whether Smith will stay at left tackle beyond this season. Smith recently signed a four-year, $96 million extension, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
“I’ll always do what’s best for the team,” Smith stated. “I know my worth and what I’m paid to do. We’ll have those discussions when the time is right.”
For Dak Prescott, Smith’s versatility is a huge asset.
“Put him at center. He can do it all,” Prescott said. “We’re set at center, but honestly, he could play anywhere. It just shows how dedicated he is. We’re lucky to have him on our team.”
The importance of offensive line flexibility can’t be overstated. According to a 2022 report from the NFL, teams with versatile linemen tend to perform better overall, especially when facing injuries or unexpected player changes. Flexibility leads to better team coherence and can be crucial during high-pressure games.
In recent seasons, social media buzz has shown fans rallying around players who step up and adapt like Smith. Online reactions highlight how much supporters appreciate a team player who embodies hard work and dedication—traits that Smith clearly displays.
Thus, as the Cowboys progress through the season, the adaptability of their players, particularly Smith, will be vital to their success on the field.
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