OXNARD, California – Micah Parsons has found himself standing next to Dak Prescott quite frequently over the past few days.
And no, this isn’t two of the superstars having long conversations, it’s actually in the middle of a play.
That’s what happens when Parsons gets into the backfield so quickly, he’s waiting for Dak to throw the ball, knowing he certainly can’t make contact with the quarterback, or anyone wearing the red jerseys, but he’s certainly disrupting the play.
And he’s been doing so more and more in recent days.
“I’m in a rhythm now,” Parsons said. “The first few days (of camp), I hadn’t played in seven or eight months. (But now), I know my angles. I feel like I’m in Week 4 right now. I’m in the backfield all day.
“If I’m on pace, there’s nothing they can do. They might as well start chipping, sliding, or it’s going to be a long day here.”
Parsons credits the change to the defense’s new setup. When he first arrived at camp, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was still installing some of the packages and blitzes.
“Before, they were in partials… They just wanted to see certain things and we were running normal,” Parsons said. “But now, third downs, second downs, it’s everything. And that’s how it’s going to look. Everything is in place now. If I don’t get blocked, there’s going to be five or six sacks every day. That’s pretty much it, I’ll tell you right now.”
Since entering the league in 2021, Parsons has been listed as a linebacker. But he has primarily been a quarterback rusher off the edge, recording three straight years of at least 13 sacks.
In Zimmer’s new scheme, Parsons will likely line up everywhere, from the edge at defensive end to all three linebacker positions. But make no mistake, Parsons still pressures the quarterback, just from different parts of the field.
“It’s all about angles,” Parsons said. “I love (pressing from different spots). But it doesn’t matter, I’m going to get there.”
Several times already in practice, the Cowboys have continued the play, even though Parsons was already closing in on the quarterback for a potential sack. And even the sack-hungry Parsons understands that it’s important to extend the play.
“Now they said they’re just going to leave the guys there to see where they’re at, because they have to see where they’re at,” Parsons said, referring to receivers continuing the play. “I’m just trying to get the team better, that’s all. But I feel like I’m in shape now. The first day (of practice) I was really tired. Now, my body has adjusted to it.”
And offenses will have to adapt to him.
2024-08-07 21:52:14
#pace
