Why Micah Parsons could be even better in year two
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons put together one of the greatest rookie seasons ever. The do-it-all defender made an impact all over the field for the Cowboys in his first season on the professional level. Parsons played primarily linebacker, but defensive coordinator Dan Quinn did not want to limit his abilities. Therefore, the rookie was […]
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons put together one of the greatest rookie seasons ever. The do-it-all defender made an impact all over the field for the Cowboys in his first season on the professional level.
Parsons played primarily linebacker, but defensive coordinator Dan Quinn did not want to limit his abilities. Therefore, the rookie was often rushing the passer and even lining up at EDGE throughout the season.
It was unlike anything we have seen in quite some time — maybe ever. Regardless of where Parsons was positioned pre-snap, he found a way to make an impact on the play much more often than not.
As a result, the 2021 first-round draft pick took home multiple honors. Parsons was named the AP Rookie of the Year, given to the best rookie on offense or defense. He was also the unanimous selection for Defensive Rookie of the Year — the first ever player to accomplish that feat.
Additionally, the Penn State phenom finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting — as a rookie. Pittsburgh Steelers standout pass rusher TJ Watt ran away in the voting, but Parsons did notch more votes than Aaron Donald.
It was truly a special season from a unique player.
PARSONS PLAYED INJURED
As if that was not already impressive enough, Micah Parsons said this past week that he played injured throughout the season. The rookie revealed on a Bleacher Report livestream that he played through a lingering injury.
"It was just something that kept lingering," Parsons said about hyperextending his knee in training camp. "When you hyperextend something, it needs rest. But I was like, 'I can't take no rest.'"
So, Parsons said that 1.) he suffered an injury in August, and 2.) that it was something that bothered him throughout the season. Yet, he went onto have one of the best campaigns from a rookie that the league has ever seen.
That is just flatout absurd. It is difficult to comprehend that we have not seen a fully healthy Micah Parsons play in an NFL game. He was doing things in multiple roles that very few players in the league can do.
WHY PARSONS CAN BE EVEN BETTER
The former Penn State star earned first-team All-Pro honors and made the Pro Bowl in his first season in the league, in addition to all of the other accolades.
Yet, there is a good chance that Parsons can be even better moving forward — as crazy as that might sound.
For instance, Micah Parsons entered the NFL with only two years of college football experience. The Dallas Cowboys drafted Parsons after he decided to opt-out of his final season at Penn State. Instead of playing, Parsons used the year to train and get his body and mind prepared for the professional level.
Therefore, Parsons arrived to the Cowboys with less on-field experience than what a typical first-rounder brings to the table. Even still, he proved to be a quick learner and fit into Quinn's scheme perfectly.
Parsons' impact was extremely noticeable each and every week, despite the fact that he was learning on the fly and playing through a nagging injury. That is something that can be — but shouldn't — be overlooked.
Now, the phenom has an entire offseason to recover his body and become even better in the film room, which will pay off dividends on the field.
Micah Parsons made everything look so easy as a rookie. It is scary to think about how much better he can become moving forward. The Dallas Cowboys have to be beyond excited.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
