The Cowboys are a defensive-led team these days. Its leader, after just one season in Dallas, is linebacker Micah Parsons, who earned First-Team All-Pro honors after tallying 13 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in 2021.

Parsons didn't do his damage the traditional way linebackers do. Instead, he use his skills as a sideline to sideline run stopper and edge rusher to be effective for the Cowboys' defense, which led the NFL in turnovers and stopping teams on third down.

As he enters year 2, Parsons is splitting time between linebacker and defensive on the field and in the meeting room for the Cowboys during OTAs. Parsons knows the road ahead to fine-tune both areas will test his will, but he's up for the task.

"It's going to be a little different. It's going to be more challenging. But I never back down from a challenge," Parsons said. "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."

Any time a rookie can get 13 sacks it should be celebrated. However, Parsons did so as a part-time pass rusher for the Cowboys and still managed to be dominant as a linebacker as well. His quick bursts off the line of scrimmage and natural bend around the edge made Parsons a human highlight reel in the final two months of the season, which saw him rack up 10 sacks and 19 quarterback hits.

As Parsons adds more to his repertoire as a pass rusher, a certain teammate will be gunning for his sack crown. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who hasn't double-digit sacks since 2018, said last week that he wants to reclaim the throne, but Parsons said those days are long gone.

“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 back,” Parsons said. “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.”

What's not to like about Parsons? He's abundantly talented, productive, motivates his teammates, and wants to be great. It may only be June, but it's pretty safe to say that Parsons will have a lot to say about who wins Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports