When the Dallas Cowboys selected Micah Parsons from Penn State, they discovered a true generational talent.
Because Parsons is a versatile player who can line up on the edge or be as effective as a linebacker, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has frequently had a great deal of creative freedom when calling plays.
Despite this, Parsons has played defensive end for the majority of the plays, where his explosiveness and excellent sense of smell for covering the opposing quarterback have made him more effective and noticeable.
Though it hasn’t always been the case, some analysts questioned whether the Cowboys would give Parsons more playing time at left guard now that LB Leighton Vander Esch is out for the season.
In response, team owner Jerry Jones stated that they had no plans to give him more playing time at linebacker and that being a “pressure player” is how he performs best (via 105.3 The Fan and Jon Machota
Although Parsons hasn’t improved as much this season as most fans had hoped, he still has the makings of a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
He’s received a lot of flak for being absent when it counts most and for playing against teams that are winning, but he’s still a young player getting to know the NFL.
Whether he chooses to rush the quarterback or try to stop the run, he is still a unique type of player and will have a lasting impact as a defender for many years to come.
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