When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Micah Parsons, many wondered how he'd be used, and they didn't feel his new team would do it right. However, no other team has Dan Quinn as their defensive coordinator.

Over the last two seasons, Quinn has perfected how to utilize Parsons not only as a pass rusher but on the second level as well. Parsons had a great 2022 campaign with 13.5 sacks but it fell short of the minimum of 15 and far short of the 23 he claimed that he was trying to hit last summer. 

These days, Parsons has a completely different mindset on how his play can affect a game.

"I'm kinda off the sack wave. I'm onto the impact wave," said Parsons on Thursday. "You see Aaron Donald. He can have 12 sacks, but the impact he makes is so dominant. You can tell. I really just want to be dominant. And then you see guys who have 16-17 sacks, but they're not considered a guy. I want to be a guy, not one of the guys. You feel me? … I'm not chasing for something. I'm trying to achieve and be greater than someone who is chasing."

That's what makes Parsons so unique. He's a swiss army knife that can be placed in so many spots. Parsons has lined up at defensive end, linebacker, cornerback, and safety during his time with the Cowboys so it makes sense to take advantage of such a diverse skill set. 

Judging from what Parsons relayed recently about the plan for him in 2023, he may be eligible for the Pro Bowl in a record amount of positions.

"Just playing chess, just being able to move around. I think that's the special ability that I have that I want to incorporate," Parsons said. "We're doing a lot of special things. I don't want to give a lot away right now. But uh, it's gonna be a really cool year. I'm probably gonna play eight positions this year. So don't even ask me.

"Anything that's in that front seven and some coverage. Yeah, I'm telling you I'm gonna do it all. It's gonna be a year to remember for sure."

Parsons has shown the ability to rush from the interior whether it be on a stunt or a base alignment from time to time. So, if that gets implemented a little more then guys like Sam Williams can get more work on the edge, and having those two on the field at the same time is trouble for opposing offenses. 

This new way of thinking also shows the maturity of Parsons. The more he's able to spread his impact around a defense like the Cowboys have, which is already elite, can take its game and the entire team to another level. 

Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports