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Dallas Cowboys: Micah Parsons dominates on the edge vs. Chargers

By Jacob Schyvinck

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after the Cowboys defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-17 at SoFi Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after the Cowboys defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 20-17 at SoFi Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys were looking to bounce back after a tough opening night to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and had to go on the road again to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Down plenty of big names on both sides of the ball, including DeMarcus Lawrence, the defense’s most reliable player, Dallas turned to putting rookie linebacker Micah Parsons on the edge, something he had a little experience doing in college for Penn State (in fact, Parsons said he hadn’t played that many snaps on the edge since high school).

The plan made sense considering the depth that Dallas had at linebacker and the lack of help on the edge, and boy did it pay off. Parsons played a fantastic game, and got after the quarterback all afternoon long. He mostly lined up opposite Michael Schofield, who was in due to a Bryan Bulaga injury, and made life difficult for Justin Herbert. Parsons recorded eight pressures (according to PFF) and had two tackles, a sack, and four quarterback hurries. He even made a key play in an important goal line stand, putting pressure on Herbert and sacking him (an oddly ruled play to be sure), forcing a field goal try.

Micah Parsons could have a fantastic year if he stays on the edge.

Micah Parsons has the athleticism to win on the edge, because of his excellent first step, burst around the edge, and great change of direction skills to set up tackles to overset and win back inside. Parsons can also convert speed to power and can get tackles off balance. His athleticism and skill set is what made him an early first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

There’s no reason that the Dallas Cowboys should move Micah Parsons back to linebacker anytime soon, especially because he was easily the best pass rusher on the field Sunday. Dallas needs to find a way to generate pressure, and Parsons can do that. From sub-packages to alignments out wide, the Cowboys should continue to get creative with Parsons to generate pressure. It’s going to be fun to see how Parsons’ rookie campaign keeps rolling.

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