Micah Parsons predicted as Cowboys 2022 non-QB MVP

Micah Parsons showcased skill for the Dallas Cowboys that had fans and the front office alike salivating to see more of the former Penn State star.

On his way to running away with the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, Parsons almost messed around and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. While multiple awards are almost certainly in the young star’s future, Kevin Patra of NFL.com bestowed another honor on Parsons — projected the Cowboys defender as the team’s non-quarterback MVP in 2022.

“Parsons completely transformed the Cowboys’ defense as a rookie, showcasing the ability to wreak havoc anywhere along the defensive front seven,” began Patra. “As an off-ball linebacker, Parsons displays ridiculous closing speed, hogtying ball carriers, harassing quarterbacks who dare leave the pocket and even making plays in coverage downfield. Even more impressive: When the Cowboys moved him to an edge-rush position after injuries depleted the team’s defensive line, Parsons showed a quick first step to burn past offensive tackles. The 23-year-old’s versatility makes him a menace for opposing quarterbacks.

“En route to his Defensive Rookie of the Year award, Parsons finished top six in the NFL in sacks (13) and tackles for loss (20). He crushed the quarterback despite only rushing on 52.9% of opponents’ dropbacks (260th in the NFL) — for comparison, T.J. Watt rushed on 88.3%. After coming up just shy of the rookie sack record (14.5), Parsons set his goal at the all-time record (22.5) in 2022. If he gets enough pass-rush reps, the dynamo has the talent to threaten that mark. If he does, and the Cowboys soar to the best record in the NFL, the Dallas hype machine will be out of control. Out. Of. Control.”

If Micah Parsons can improve on his rookie season, the skies the limit for the former Penn State star. Parsons could capture more than just being the team MVP — he could win the whole dang award at that rate.

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It didn’t look like Micah Parsons had much of a learning curve moving from Big Ten football to the NFL. Even so, he believes there’s room for growth in year two.

“I would just say last year I was a fish in the water,” Parsons said. “… Still growing so much mentally and as a player, and I think when you’re a rookie first getting in the league, you’re trying to see if you belong or not. I think I kind of know where I want to be and where I’m at in this league. I believe in myself and my confidence.” 

At the team’s home run derby event, the freakish linebacker opened up about how the chemistry-building process is going this offseason.

“The most fun is just I’m connecting with the team and understanding every player on the team, understanding what they like to do, understanding what the whole team feels like,” Parsons said, via Jon Machota. “We’re just really coming together. I love it. We’re so far ahead of where we were last year.”