DALLAS– The argument can be made that either Dak Prescott or Ezekiel Elliott were the most important player on the Cowboys years ago. That's because the quarterback is the most vital position in football, and the running game for the Cowboys used to be the team's tone-setter.

These days, there's a new candidate for that mantle. Linebacker Micah Parsons took the NFL by storm as a rookie last season with 13 sacks and 36 quarterback pressures, all as a part-time pass rusher. In a short time, Parsons has become the Cowboys' sparkplug with his energy and emotion for the game, and CBS Sports named him the player who they can't afford to lose the most outside of Prescott.

Cody Benjamin on Parsons being the Cowboys selection:

"Their WR/TE depth could likely withstand the absence of star No. 1 CeeDee Lamb, and QB Dak Prescott has already weathered injuries up front. But what would their defense be without the manic production of Parsons, whose play-making range is capable of masking issues at every level? Take him out of the middle, and they'd become even more of a boom-or-bust unit."

Parsons is a unique weapon for the Cowboys' defense because he affects the game at different positions. His ability to take over a game as an edge rusher while terrorizing ball carriers simultaneously, gives defensive coordinator Dan Quinn a multitude of ways to attack opposing offenses, making Parsons one of if not the most important defensive player in the NFL.

One critical key for any team defensively is to keep the other team's offense behind the sticks. Parsons recorded 20 tackles for loss last season which put the Cowboys' opponents in longer distances to gain first downs, which led to them punting the football more often than they would've liked, and the Cowboys ranking seventh in fewest points allowed.

The Cowboys not having Parsons would cripple their entire defensive unit. That handicaps the pass rush which will give quarterbacks more time to throw and make it harder for cornerbacks to cover. Also, outside of Parsons, there is no proven commodity at linebacker for the Cowboys so his absence essentially wrecks the whole group.

Parsons is back at it already with his swiss army knife duties by spending time with both the linebackers and defensive ends on the field during practice and in meeting rooms. That kind of dedication is what will elevate his game to another level, although it won't be easy.

“It’s going to be a little different. It’s going to be more challenging. But I never back down from a challenge,” said Parsons. “The good ones, the great ones, just find a way. No matter what comes at me. I know things are going to be frustrating, but I’ve got to find a way to get home. I’ve got to find a way to make plays because that’s what gets me going.”

The Cowboys' defense follows the lead of Parsons. With that comes more responsibility, and he's already spreading his knowledge to edge rusher Sam Williams, who many believe can be an impact player at some point during his rookie campaign.

Parsons is a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, and with Quinn guiding him, it won't be any surprise if it comes to fruition.

Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports