Who's got the edge on the Dallas Cowboys defense? DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons are among the best players on the defense and are already throwing friendly shots at one another.

Ahead of the 2022 season, Lawrence is already challenging the second year start for sack supremacy. He issued a challenge to the young defender, giving him a fair heads up when speaking on his mentality for this upcoming season.

“Become the sack leader again. I let a rookie show me up last year. Shot out to my boy Micah. Restate my dominance. Let everybody know how I’m coming, how I feel and the type of respect I’m going to demand when I step on the field.”

It didn't take long for Parsons to respond, leaving little doubt the sacks mark will stay with him. With expectations to double down.

“I want D-Law to step up, I want him to be who he is. I’m not taking that away from him, but I’m sorry to tell him he’s never getting that (the sack lead) back. I want him to get all the enjoyment that he possibly can. Feed his head so he can be a 10-sack guy. But if 10’s the number, I’m going for 20.”

There's no doubting Parsons' value to the Dallas Cowboys defense. His 13 sack season was a revelation, especially after losing Lawrence for the majority of the season with a broken foot. He would finish the season with three sacks in seven games.

If this sack competition has the effect on the defense that the Dallas Cowboys offense had with the defense, scoring touchdowns versus creating turnovers, it could lead to a trickle down effect for all the pass rushers.

While this is a simple, two-player competition, it's much bigger. These are two of (if not the) most important players on the defense. The tone setters. If this duel drives them towards success, it means more for the defense as a whole.

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports