Cowboys' defender receives overdue honor
Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys took the NFL by storm as a rookie a season ago with 13 sacks as a part-time pass rusher which led to him winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Heading into the 2022 season, it was about whether can Parsons maintain that level of dominance, and he's flourishing […]
Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys took the NFL by storm as a rookie a season ago with 13 sacks as a part-time pass rusher which led to him winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Heading into the 2022 season, it was about whether can Parsons maintain that level of dominance, and he's flourishing once again.
After five games Parsons is tied for first in sacks (6), tied for second on tackles for loss (7), and has racked up 12 quarterback hits. However, through the first month, Parsons didn't seem to be acknowledged for his play, until now.
On Wednesday, the Cowboys' top defender was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Los Angeles Rams.
The former first-round pick would record two sacks giving him three multi-sack games on the season, equaling his total from last season. However, what makes Parsons showing so impressive is that he dealt with some adversity along the way.
Parsons was noticeably limping going into halftime against the Rams. It was reported that Parsons was dealing with a groin issue, but that didn't stop the former Penn State Nittany Lion.
Parsons was mainly used on passing downs for the rest of the game and he wrecked shop. He tallied both of his sacks in the second half. On the first one in the third quarter, although he was chipped by a running back, Parsons was able to disengage with the right tackle quickly to bring down Matthew Stafford. With under two minutes left in the fourth, Parsons used his speed and hands to fly around the edge to seal the game for the Cowboys with his second sack.
The stellar play of Parsons so far in 2022 is extraordinary. He's the only player in the top three in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits in the first five weeks. Simply put, he's already one of if not the best pass rushers in the NFL today.
That particular debate, according to Parsons, is between himself and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who also had two sacks on Sunday.
“There’s only one best rusher in the league," said Parsons. "To me, it’s a competition between me and (Aaron Donald). … I want to potentially be the best player in this league, so with Aaron taking the cake right now, I’m just pushing. I’m climbing. Someone’s always coming.”
Parsons isn't just coming, he's here, and he hasn't even come close to reaching his ceiling as a player.
Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA Today Sports
