Linebacker Micah Parsons has exceeded all expectations in 2021. He's already set the rookie sack record for the Dallas Cowboys, and his 12 sacks on the season are just two-and-a-half away from the rookie record set by Jevon Kearse in 1999.
Parsons had two sacks and a forced fumble against the Washington Football Team last Sunday in the Cowboys' 27-20 victory. His performance didn't go unnoticed, as for the third time this season, he was named the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week.
.@pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week ✖️3️⃣#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/JOaCUnLm4P
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 17, 2021
The Cowboys' do it all defender has been playing out of his mind lately. Parsons ranks first in the NFL in sacks (9.5), quarterback hits (16), tackles for loss (10), and forced fumbles (3) since Week 9. He's had three multi-sack games over that span which is a Cowboys rookie record.
This dominance has led to many comparing Parsons to Hall of Fame Linebacker Lawrence Taylor. However, Parsons wants to set his own mark on the league and realizes he has a lot more work to do to be on Taylor's level.
“It's too early,” Parsons said. “I could see the similarities, but LT was completely different. It's an honor that people are doing that. But to be compared to a Hall of Famer so early on, I mean it's not ready to be in the conversation yet. I still have a long way to go. He had a 142, so I got 130 more sacks to go before we start saying that was LT. So let's just chill.”
Parsons may not be ready to be mentioned with Taylor, but there's no denying his impact on the Cowboys' defense. He can play sideline to sideline as a linebacker or rush the passer from several different areas. Also, he's taken snaps at cornerback and safety as well.
Simply put, Parsons is different.
