Micah Parsons makes his case for top defensive award over TJ Watt
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons made his case this week for why he should be the NFL’s defensive MVP this year.
His case weakened over the weekend as Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt notched four more sacks, bringing his total to 21.5 on the year. However, Parsons still argues the way he impacts the Cowboys goes beyond sack numbers.
“I take complete pride in being the most versatile player in the NFL,” Parsons said on Tuesday. “I think I would put myself up there with the elite guys around the league in terms of impacting the game. It definitely hasn’t been a one-man job. The DBs help me a lot being able to hold the receivers so that way I can get the pressure and sacks and things like that. (But) I think I do a lot of very different things on the defense that change the game.
“I never just play one position,” Parsons continued. “I feel like if I could just rush, I might be an 18-20 sack guy, too. If I stayed in pass coverage and run, I’d be a 100-tackle guy, too. Because of my abilities I’ve got to own certain things throughout the game. I’ve got to own a role throughout the game so that way I can put my team in the best position to win.
“When it comes to terms like that of just impacting the game, I would definitely put myself up there with those guys as being defensive player (of the year).”
On the year, Micah Parsons has 13 sacks, 84 tackles (64 solo), three forced fumbles, and three passes defended.
Despite trailing Watt in the odds for defensive MVP, Parsons is the favorite for the defensive rookie of the year.
Cowboys rookie not concerned with TJ Watt
There’s no denying that Watt’s having a breakout year in his fifth NFL season. Despite the comparisons, the rookie isn’t concerned with what JJ Watt’s younger brother is doing or tracking his stats.
“I ain’t making his money. He ain’t making my money,” Parsons said. “He do what he do. And I’m going to do what I do.
“All I know is I’ve got a game this week and I’ve got to prepare to get into a playoff game next week.”
The Dallas Cowboys already captured the NFC East division title with a lot of help from the former Penn State star. They take on the Eagles in the final game of the regular season.
Parsons playing ‘recess’ football
Despite the Cowboys asking him to play different roles this season, Micah Parsons is having a great time. He likened his first experience in the NFL to recess at school.
“I (take) a lot of ownership because I feel like if I want to be on the field, I’ve got to be able to do anything asked of me or more,” Parsons said. “I just like lining up everywhere and just being dynamic. It’s almost like at recess for me. I feel like I’m a kid again like let me go tackle my buddy, let me go cover my buddy and I’m going to go tackle.
“It’s a whole bunch of fun for me. I just really enjoy it.”