Micah Parsons is teaching Cowboys’ teammate the ultimate lesson
All-Pro linebacker/edge Micah Parsons is the unquestioned leader on defense for the Dallas Cowboys. He shows it by his play on the field, of course. But he's also showing it in other ways. When the Cowboys drafted Sam Williams last year his upside as a pass rusher immediately had him linked to Parsons who had […]
All-Pro linebacker/edge Micah Parsons is the unquestioned leader on defense for the Dallas Cowboys. He shows it by his play on the field, of course. But he's also showing it in other ways.
When the Cowboys drafted Sam Williams last year his upside as a pass rusher immediately had him linked to Parsons who had just come off of a 13-sack rookie campaign. Williams got his opportunities, but with the Cowboys being pretty stacked on the edge it certainly wasn't as much as he would have wanted.
Parsons has been working closely with Williams as of late. He was asked about Williams last week after practice and what he sees for the young bull in year two.
"I want Sam to make a huge jump," said Parsons. "I kinda know how bad he want it. He was like 'Last year I was learning, I'm trying to play as much as I can.' I said 'Then take the job then. Nobody stopping you from your success.'"
Williams certainly has to put in the work to get more playing time with guys like Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler ahead of him on the depth. Last season, Williams appeared in 15 games as a rookie but only played over 20 snaps six times.
The former second-round pick logged 273 defensive snaps in 2022 and put up 22 tackles, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and four sacks. Speaking of sacks, Williams has a pretty lofty goal in mind for the upcoming season, and that's reaching double digits in that category.
“He’s like, ‘I want 10 sacks. I want to be up there with you.’ I’m like, ‘Then get 10 sacks. I’m not stopping you from getting 10 sacks. The only person that can is you.’ said Parsons. So I’m just teaching him to get into that mindset. And just with his hands like just keeping them in front of him, not dropping your hands."
During mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday, Parsons was seen working with Williams on how to use his hands properly.
When it comes to being a pass rusher, handwork is extremely important. The better the hand usage the harder it will be for offensive linemen to grab them and control blocks. So, Parsons is teaching Williams a very crucial lesson when it comes to getting to the quarterback faster.
Iron sharpens Iron, and that's exactly what Parsons is doing for Williams.
Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
