Fansided
Fansided

Dallas Cowboys: Rookie Micah Parsons Could Make DPOY Push

By Jacob Schyvinck

Nov 7, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Micah Parsons is nearly locking up defensive rookie of the year, but could he push for DPOY?

The Dallas Cowboys aren’t riding high at the moment, having lost three of their last four games to AFC West opponents. The defense isn’t having the same success as they had at the beginning of the year, and the latest loss to the Raiders proves that. One player who continues to play well and lead the defense is rookie Micah Parsons.

Parsons, the 12th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, has rare athleticism for a linebacker of his size. He tested incredibly well with great size, elite speed (including a 4.36 40-yard dash), great explosion, and great agility. The film was very good too, and he likely would’ve gone higher if there weren’t some hazing issues at Penn State that came up.

So far in 2021, Parsons has one of the best players on the Cowboys defense. His awareness in coverage has gotten a lot better as the season has gone on, and his instincts against the run have been good as well, whether it be working downhill or to the sidelines.

But it’s his ability to rush the passer that makes Micah Parsons so exciting in year one. His elite first step, speed, and change of directions skills make life difficult for tackles. Tackles have to respect his ability to threaten the outside track, dip, and rip through, and Parsons can capitalize on those oversets. He’s also quick enough to shift gaps against the run when he’s lined up as the EMLOS (end man on the line of scrimmage) to make plays in the backfield.

On Thanksgiving against the Raiders, Parsons recorded his ninth sack of the season, which was a new rookie record for the Cowboys, passing DeMarcus Ware.

For Parsons, who should reach double digit sacks this year, and had 13 tackles for loss already this season, this rookie campaign he’s had reaches beyond that of the defensive rookie of the year crown. It feels wrapped up at this point, especially for a linebacker who’s doubling as a dominant edge rusher. It’s possible that Micah Parsons, who’s carrying the Dallas Cowboys front seven, could contend for defensive player of the year if he keeps his pace up. Time will tell if it can become a reality.

Home/NFL Draft