OXNARD, Calif. – As training camp continues and the Hall of Fame game quickly approaches for the Dallas Cowboys, it is time for player reflection and evaluation. Through eight practices on the grass in Oxnard, many players have stood out on both sides of the football. For Dan Quinn’s defense, one such player is first-round draft pick, Micah Parsons.
The rookie has consistently turned heads with impact plays. The coaching staff has not held back on Parsons’ workload, and his instincts have delivered day-in and day-out. He has met expectations, making plays on the ball as both a pass rusher and notching interceptions in coverage against tight ends and running backs.
“He’s one of a kind,” defensive lineman Carlos Watkins described to media. “I’ve been watching him. He’s around the ball all the time. He’s got crazy speed. I think he’s filling out real well. He’s catching on fast. I think he can be a really great player in this league for real.”
Parsons has continuously taken first team reps throughout camp as expected alongside Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. His draft status and obvious talent have provided the opportunity, but his execution keeps his placement in the starting lineup locked in. The former Penn State superstar has been asked to play a variety of roles during the install phase at a high volume as a contingency plan. The more reps Parsons receives, the faster he will be able to play. He has played all three linebacker positions at Sam, Mike, and Will but moving forward, the focus will be narrowed once the coaching staff has clarity on what his best traits are.
The speed of the game may be different, but the scheme is not. Quinn will be reverting to a 4-3, one-gap system. The players are accustomed to and tailored to fit that scheme in Dallas. After the disaster that ensued in 2020 during the Mike Nolan 3-4 experiment, a change was pivotal. Thus, a new era dawns on the Cowboys’ defense. At Penn State, Parsons predominately lined up as a weakside linebacker in Brent Pry’s 4-3 base system. He was regarded for his pursuit skills and dynamic downhill ability but given his small sample size as a one-year starter at the “LBU,” he has not scratched the surface. Parsons’ explosion through gaps is rare and he will thrive in Quinn’s attack styled defense.
On maximizing players’ familiarity with a 4-3, Quinn told reporters, “I would say, probably system-wise, there would be some similarities. Some players, I even went back a year to look at some other things and other techniques, but at the end of it, finding good communication. ‘This must have been just like you’ve done. This is close to what you’ve done.’ So, finding some similarities. I’ve certainly watched, through the NFL, Rod [Marinelli]; I knew his background. So, it’s not a carbon copy but I’d say there are some similarities.”
Parson’s competitive nature is already producing splash plays and the rookie is poised for a breakout campaign in 2021. He will likely become the embodiment on the gridiron of the emblem that dons his jersey- a Star.
