Cowboys' defender was the right pick at the right time
When anyone thinks of the Dallas Cowboys these days what comes to mind first is defense. That's due in large part to linebacker Micah Parsons who the Cowboys took 12th overall in the 2021 NFL draft. Parsons had a rookie season for the ages as he amassed 84 tackles (20 tackles for loss) 13 sacks, […]
When anyone thinks of the Dallas Cowboys these days what comes to mind first is defense. That's due in large part to linebacker Micah Parsons who the Cowboys took 12th overall in the 2021 NFL draft.
Parsons had a rookie season for the ages as he amassed 84 tackles (20 tackles for loss) 13 sacks, 30 quarterback hits, three passes defended, and three forced fumbles. This would earn the former Penn State Nittany Lion several accolades including first-team All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year.
As the swiss army knife of the Cowboys' defense gets ready to commence year two in two weeks, Parsons has another award to put on his mantle piece. He will be the recipient of the Cowboys' Playmaker Award which is given to the who player performs the best overall on the field.
2020 was a nightmare for the Cowboys defensively. They gave up a franchise-record 473 points and were ranked as the second-worst run defense. Thanks to Parsons and his versatility to play linebacker and rush the passer at a high level, Cowboys' defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was able to draw up a plethora of looks to get him involved which made things easier for other players with the attention that he receives.
As a result, the Cowboys led the NFL in turnovers with 34 and was ranked in the top 10 in the fewest points allowed in 2021. In one season, Parsons and his playmaking ability have turned around the entire defensive unit and made it the team's spearhead for a possible deep playoff run.
What's scary for the rest of the NFL is that even after establishing himself as one of the league's best players after one season, Parsons feels his ceiling hasn't even come close to being reached.
“Bro, I can get better everywhere,” said Parsons back in February. “I can become a better pass-rusher. I can become a better linebacker. Like, anything. I just feel like I’m just out there raw and I was just learning and I grew and I kept getting better and better throughout the year. No one’s ever perfect. There’s always room to grow in many ways to get better.”
The Cowboys were looking to go cornerback with their first pick a year ago. However, it's clear now that Parsons was the right selection for the philosophy the Cowboys want on defense and as a team overall.
Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
