The Dallas Cowboys took care of the New York Giants last Sunday with a dominant 49-17 blowout win. However, linebacker Micah Parsons did not fill up the stat sheet for the game in the way he had likely hoped. Around the time the game clock hit the fourth quarter, most of the Cowboys’ starters were pulled to the bench to avoid any potential injury. However, Parsons was not pulled to the sidelines until around the nine-minute mark of the last quarter.
And yet … the linebacker did not record a single tackle or sack, only a few quarterback pressures. Given that Parsons is in conversation for the Defensive Player of the Year Award, it was odd to not see his name appear in the box score for the first time all season. Fans could tell that Parsons lack of statistical productivity on the field frustrated him, as he made comments on social media hinting at his emotions. … including a “Free Me!” post that did not play well in many corners.
Parsons is now offering clarity on his position while wisely applauding the Cowboys coaching staff for generally giving him ample opportunities on defense. “I always say, ‘I got next week,” said Parsons, who this week leads the 6-3 Cowboys into Carolina to take on the 1-8 Panthers. “I get a great opportunity. … My presence is felt. You look at what I’m — it’s getting to the point where these QBs are taking one read and running outside of the pocket, scared for their lives so I don’t think it’s anything about production-wise. I just think we’re just doing a phenomenal job.
Parsons made one other interesting remark, saying, “People act like I’m dead today and gone tomorrow.” But that’s not what happened here. There was no public outcry against Parsons’ work in a blowout win; rather, it was Micah who himself talked it up into being an issue … And now, we bet, after visiting with a coach in Dan Quinn who he greatly admires, is smartly calming down what truly should be a non-issue.
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