Dallas Cowboys star edge-rusher Micah Parsons seemingly approves of recent defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s plans.
“I feel it is gonna be a really attention-grabbing yr,” Parsons mentioned Thursday, through Patrik Walker of the workforce web site. “What I am gonna be doing is an entire bunch of stuff — dropping within the flats, curls, it is actually every little thing. They’re increasing my versatility and utilizing me in methods I needs to be used, and transferring me round to make [offenses] ID me from different locations; and [sending] me when they need to ship me.”
Over the previous two seasons, Parsons primarily served as a pass-rusher beneath former DC Dan Quinn. Per Professional Soccer Focus, he lined up on 1,001 pass-rush snaps in comparison with 81 in protection. Throughout his rookie season in 2021, he logged 307 pass-rush snaps and 284 in protection.
The technique has produced some success. Final season, the three-time Professional Bowler stored establishing himself as a game-wrecker, tying for seventh within the league in sacks with a career-high 14 in 17 video games. It may be one cause the Cowboys faltered within the playoffs once more.
In a 48-32 dwelling loss within the wild-card spherical, the Inexperienced Bay Packers shut Parsons down, as he solely had two tackles and one QB hit. The Cowboys completed with zero sacks, permitting Packers QB Jordan Love to finish 16-of-21 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns.
Transferring Parsons round takes among the onus off him. He added that Zimmer desires to “[bring] strain from different locations.”
Cowboys DE Sam Williams suffered a season-ending ACL/LCL tear at the start of camp, probably hindering their capacity to generate strain.
Nonetheless, second-round choose Marshawn Kneeland may step up. Earlier than the draft, The thirty third Staff contributor Greg Cosell in contrast Kneeland to 2016 Defensive Participant of the 12 months Khalil Mack.
If Zimmer’s plan works, it might enhance Parsons’ affect and strengthen the Cowboys’ elite protection. Final season, Dallas ranked No. 5 within the league in factors allowed (18.5).