One concern the Cowboys had last week was the COVID-19 release of Micah Parsons. Because of this, the rookie linebacker missed the final regular season game against the Eagles. However, Parsons returned to the active roster this week, so he’s aiming to play Sunday against the 49ers. And not only that: the days off may have been good for him.
This was revealed by the Penn State product in statements to the media on Wednesday. In fact, Parsons compared his days off to the Cowboys’ bye days in Week 7. That, of course, didn’t count the symptoms of the virus he experienced: sore throat and muscles, nasal congestion and fatigue.
“I feel great”Parsons said at the aforementioned press conference. “I rested a lot. I got an extra week off that some of my teammates didn’t, so I feel refreshed. I like the way I played after my last week off, so hopefully we can continue with that.”
With COVID-19 last week, LB/DE Micah Parsons experienced sore throat, congestion, muscle aches and fatigue.
“I feel refreshed,” Parsons describes. Equates absence to additional bye week. Cites, “I liked how I played off my last bye week so hopefully we can follow up with that.”
— Brianna Dix (@DixBrianna) January 12, 2022
Let’s remember that the Cowboys’ bye week marked a before and after for Micah Parsons this season. After a few days off in Week 7, the rookie put together a strong performance against the Vikings the following week: 11 combined tackles, four tackles for loss of yards and a quarterback hit.
But that was not all. Between Weeks 8 and 17, Parsons’ records have been impressive: 53 combined tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and one pass defensed. This has made the Penn State product a heavy favorite for The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year.
In fact, the young linebacker admitted after Week 7 that he used those days off to make some adjustments to his game. His dedication was even more intensive, even training from the early hours of the morning. And that effort to improve his game even more has paid off.
Now, it appears that Parsons has decided to repeat that course of action. After being out due to COVID-19, the rookie not only took the opportunity to rest. Parsons also spoke this week with DeMarcus Ware, a former player and Hall of Fame candidate who has mentored Parsons before.
In that conversation, Parsons asked Ware for some advice heading into Sunday’s playoff game against the 49ers. Among them, the Super Bowl 50 MVP suggested the rookie correct his jumps off the line. In addition, Ware suggested watching game recordings to see their tendencies. And this is something that Parsons did on Wednesday morning with the Dallas linebackers coach.
When preparing for first NFL playoff game, Cowboys LB Micah Parsons had lunch Tuesday with Cowboys great DeMarcus Ware. “I got to talk to him about the preparation and what it takes, the mentality that comes with playoffs and things like that.” Got his mind right for 49ers.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 12, 2022
Parsons has his mindset clear to face the 49ers
Something that has been talked about this week is the bully ball (or abusive football) from the 49ers. In other words, the San Francisco team has a very physical game both in attack and defense. Micah Parsons got questions about it, and the young player’s mindset is pretty clear.
“I’m from Harrisburg, where bullies are abused”Parsons said Wednesday. “At a certain point, it will take someone to get up and fight. I have never backed down from a challenge. I would never say you can tease a lion. Never.”
Another of the topics discussed at Parsons’ press conference is the 49ers’ ground game, which is their best offensive card. In this regard, the rookie said that the key will be to stop his attack in this way, and let the “monsters” (referring to him and his defensive line partners) do their thing in 3rd down situations.
Cowboys LB Micah Parsons on 49er playing bully ball: “I’m from Harrisburg. Where the bully gets bullied.
“I ain’t never back down from a challenge.” pic.twitter.com/P4uOETdsFJ
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) January 12, 2022
Without a doubt, the playoff game between the Cowboys and 49ers will be another great opportunity for Micah Parsons to show his ability to make a difference. A strong performance from him and the rest of the Dallas defense will be vital as they look to advance to the next round of the postseason. And, on the face of it, the days off due to COVID-19 may have come in handy for Parsons.
