Training camp is the time to experiment with the roster, to bring in players that charge up competition for a spot. This is forced to the forefront when you consider the addition of Jordan Phillips to the Cowboys roster and what it could mean for last year’s first-round pick, Mazi Smith.
Adding Jordan Phillips to Increase Defensive Depth Chart
Coming in with High Expectations
As a league veteran, the Cowboys are excited about the opportunity to add Phillips to this roster. The number one complaint on the defensive side of the ball is that the roster lacks depth. There aren’t many players on the field that are guaranteed talent. Many of them, like Smith, have been on the team for two years or fewer and haven’t made the necessary splash to say they are competitively great. Phillips isn’t like that. He brings to the table his near decade of football experience. And in that instance, he’s a benefit to the locker room defensively.
Mazi Smith’s Thoughts on Phillips
Although Smith could feel some animosity towards veteran Phillips being added to the roster, all Smith demonstrates high optimism for the addition. In an interview, Smith had positive regards about adding Phillips to the defensive tackle room:
“He’s a vet of this game. When you’re able to add that to the room . . . iron sharpens iron. That’s what you want. You want competition, you want a room full of competition, you know? You don’t want [anybody] chilling.”
In other words, he looks forward to having the veteran on the team, learning from him, and allowing Phillips to help Mazi step up his game.
Unexpected Playing Time for Phillips
Originally, Mike McCarthy shared he wasn’t interested in playing Phillips during preseason. As Phillips is new to the team, and Mike Zimmer is giving the defense an overhaul, it wouldn’t have been wise to add the new talent to the field.
But circumstances shifted when Mazi Smith fell ill to an allergic reaction just hours before the game began against the Las Vegas Raiders. This led to Phillips getting a little time with other players on the field. However, Smith is likely to still receive some reps against the LA Chargers.
This will be an opportunity for Smith to show the waves of growth that he has at the position. Last year, there were a lot of question marks on Smith. If he can rival with Phillips for this position, it will hopefully only increase his capabilities.
It’ll also reiterate the initial comment made by Smith–iron sharpens iron. Smith’s game should elevate with Phillips in his room.
Concerns and Hopes for the Defensive Tackle
The goal for Phillips is to stay healthy. Throughout his career, Phillips has suffered numerous injuries that have created huge gaps in his play. His talent and ability have kept him in the game, but for him to be viable for this Cowboys team, he has to stay healthy.
This is already a room where there isn’t much depth. Losing Phillips (assuming he makes the 53-roster) would be devastating for this team. They need him on the field, able to produce like only a veteran can.
Smith needs him as a role model, someone that can elevate his game and increase his ability on the line. Although there’s some competition between the two, there’s more expectation than anything else.
Main Image: Gregory Fisher – USA Today Sports
