Lists, rankings, and opinion pieces will no doubt flood social media and the airwaves as observers and fans await the start of NFL training camps.
Dallas Cowboys standout Michah Parsons took issue with his rating in one of the more recent lists, despite it being customary in NFL media. Parsons was listed by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler as the third-best edge rusher overall. More than 80 people participated in the
voting process, including scouts, coaches, and league executives. He was ranked first by at least one voter, but he was ranked as low as seventh by another. Regardless of the voter base, Parsons was unimpressed with their evaluation of his performance and his “167 double teams.”
The pass rusher was actually receiving praise for recording 14 sacks despite facing a league-high in double teams, but Parsons feels he should have gotten more credit. The one area those voters did criticize Parsons for was his work in the run game.
“There’s no way it was 167 double teams!” Parsons wrote on X. “Mf can’t fwm man! It’s up this year on mommas! 2 weeks!” Parsons continued, including a lion emoji with his tweet.
An NFL coordinator remarked, “Unreal athleticism for the position-twitch, speed, and bend is phenomenal.” “The run game is actually the root of his problems more than anything else.
You notice his lack of size a little bit when he needs to lift hefty objects. In addition to his already impressive pass rush skills, Micah Parsons appears committed to developing his run game. He won’t mind silence the naysayers in the process, even though his main goal is to lead the Cowboys to the Super Bowl.
He will need to have a stronger season than this year’s top two pass rushers, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and TJ Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, if he hopes to rank first on the list, at least in the voter’s opinion.
Micah Parsons becomes leader of Cowboys defense
Every year that Micah Parsons has been in the league, he has made the Pro Bowl. He is a two-time All-Pro and the former Defensive Rookie of the Year.
However, Parsons is hoping to regain his position in the top tier following his 2023 season of not being selected to the First Team All-Pro. That’s not to claim he broke through with his 2023 campaign.
He set a new career best with 14 sacks. He finished with 64 tackles, 18 of which were for a loss, 33 quarterback hits, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble. Parsons was nevertheless nominated to the Pro Bowl.
But as Dallas gets ready for the 2024 season, Parsons will need to step up even more than he does in any list or rating. Mike Zimmer has taken Dan Quinn’s place as the Washington Commanders’ head coach, taking over as defensive coordinator.
Zimmer is a seasoned coach with years of experience as a lead coach and coordinator. However, this will be his first season under the new Cowboys leadership.
Parsons will serve as a major focal point and a guy to plan around as Zimmer develops his system. Parsons will then be evaluated to see if he can support Zimmer in creating the culture and integrating the system.
After experiencing so much failure in the playoffs, the Cowboys must adjust their approach and resume winning important football games. Regardless of the approach, all participants need to have faith in it and give it their all.
Micah Parsons will be the driving force behind Dallas’ development if they can accomplish that objective. Parsons’ status would undoubtedly rise on multiple lists with a lengthy postseason run. Parsons would gloat over the chance to tell people, “I told you so.”
