The unlikely Dallas Cowboys player that has Micah Parsons beat in multiple key stats needs to play more
The Dallas Cowboys defensive end that has emerged as the team’s best pass rusher.
If you had told me when the Dallas Cowboys traded away Micah Parsons that they would have a defensive end with superior pass rushing stats in many areas, I would have asked you if you were talking about your Madden franchise mode.
But that’s exactly what’s happening with Cowboys DE James Houston, who has been one of the most efficient pass rushers in the NFL. He’s been so good for Dallas that he has Parsons beat in many stats through five weeks of the season, which we’ll dive into. But first, this is where the important disclaimer comes into play.
Houston has been very efficient rushing the passer. But he also has 54 pass rushing snaps compared to Parsons’ 131. Overall, Houston has played 86 defensive snaps while Parsons has 175. Oh, by the way, the Green Bay Packers just had a bye week so those numbers are with Parsons playing less games than Houston. This is to say, to suggest Houston has been a better player than Parsons would be wild. But let’s acknowledge how good he’s been so far.
Houston’s efficiency has been great for the Cowboys
Houston’s numbers in limited playing tim are very telling. The Cowboys DE ranks:
- 3rd in splash play rate, per The Athletic’s Austin Mock (better than Parsons)
- 14th in sacks with 3.5 (better than Parsons)
- 8th in sack rate, via Sports Info Solutions (better than Parsons)
Far and away, Houston has been the best pass rusher on the Cowboys. And though serious comparisons to Parsons in overall play would be laughable, it’s clear the front office found a hidden gem in Houston, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions and released last year.
Houston needs to play more
Despite his efficiency, Houston’s snap count is shockingly low. He ranks fifth on the team among defensive ends. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, however, appears content with the distribution.
“There is a fine line, just because he’s not the biggest guy,” Schottennheimer told reporters Monday. “He’s playing better against the run now, but there are areas in the run game he can still improve, which is awesome and scary for the league. But I think we’re very comfortable with what we’re doing with him.”
We’ll see if Houston gets more early down reps down the road but for now, it’s clear he needs to be in there every single passing situation. He’s too good not to play him. The numbers and film back it up.
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