For the first time since Mike Zimmer became the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator, Micah Parsonswent in-depth on what his role might be this season in the new scheme. And it sounds like he's in favor of the plan.
"I think it's gonna be a very interesting year," Parsons said, via the team’s official website. "What I'm gonna be doing is a whole bunch of stuff — dropping in the flats, curls, it's really everything. They're expanding my versatility and using me in ways I should be used, and moving me around to make [offenses] ID me from other places; and [sending] me when they should send me.
"(Zimmer is) gonna utilize every asset of my ability, and that's something I appreciate."
The past two seasons under Dan Quinn, Parsons was almost exclusively a rusher in the Cowboys' scheme, dropping into coverage less than 100 times combined over the past two seasons, according to PFF. He played more of a hybrid role as a rookie in 2021, dropping in coverage almost as frequently as he rushed the passer.
Parsons said he worked on his conditioning this offseason, knowing he might have to cover a lot of ground.
"I really like it a lot, and it's gonna be a really good year for me," Parsons said. "They're moving me around and bringing pressure from other places."
That remains the plan even after the season-ending injury to Sam Williams, who was expected to be one of the Cowboys' top three ends. Parsons' understanding is that his role will remain unchanged, even with Parsons calling Williams' injury a "huge" loss.
"It doesn't change my plan at all," Parsons said. "It means Marshawn (Kneeland) and more young guys have to step up, and whoever we bring in. It may mean I have to do more."
The Cowboys will be getting back cornerback Trevon Diggs, who suffered a torn ACL prior to Week 3 a year ago, as the cornerback was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list this week. Parsons said he spent time with Diggs away from the field this offseason, even going on vacation with him, lamenting the fact that Diggs took a mental toll on his teammate in addition to a physical one.
"That (injury) was the first time I've ever seen him down," Parsons said. "I just wanted to be (there for him). … I think I gave him that drive to wanting to get back to playing with me -- keeping him competitive. … It made me cry when I lost him last year. He's someone that I hope we can retire [here] together and get gold jackets together, and we can go on kids' vacations one day because now he's got about as many kids as me."
Parsons isn't even giving Diggs any options in his comeback.
"It's going to be good," Parsons said. "(Diggs) has no choice. We're in this for the long run."
Before the long run, however, the Cowboys must worry about the short term -- as in this season, which is a critical one for the franchise. Dak Prescott is entering the final year of his deal, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remains in a holdout, and even the extension-eligible Parsons is nearing a pay day.
But Parsons is staying positive amid the struggle, hopeful to block out the noise, be patient and continue thriving as one of the NFL's best defenders. The effort might be difficult, but this is what Parsons said he lives for.
"This game is more than just a check to me," he said. "That's why you play hurt. You play tired. You go through all of those emotions because you love this game, and you only get 17 days out of 365 to show why you're the best. I only got 17 chances, guaranteed, not including the playoffs, to show we're the best and why we belong here and why I hope Jerry (Jones) keeps me here.
"It's like art. Imagine you're an artist and someone shows up to your gallery and says, 'Your art sucks.' "You're like, 'Damn, I put so much time into this. I really thought about this.' That's how I feel about football. This is my art. Pass rushing is an art. It's so much mental that goes into it. … It's not just a game."
