The NFL season, especially as a Dallas Cowboys fan, is such a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde experiment.
One week after dismantling the New England Patriots, the Cowboys' confidence tumbled to an all-time low against the San Francisco 49ers in less than seven days.
Now, more so than ever, the depth of America's Team needs to take center stage.
While some were more devastating than others, the combination of Leighton Vander Esch, DaRon Bland, C.J. Goodwin, Donovan Wilson, and KaVontae Turpin left the field on Sunday night.
Bland, Wilson, and Turpin may have escaped without any long-term implications, but the same fate is not in store for Vander Esch.
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn said if Leighton Vander Esch is out an extended period of time, Micah Parsons could see more time at linebacker https://t.co/72U2DjVsYb
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 9, 2023
Leighton has a history of neck issues, and now it's rearing its ugly head at the worst possible time.
Early reports suggest a 4 to 6-week timetable, which plops him politely on the injured reserve.
That will leave a gaping hole in the middle of the defense. There are free-agent options and potential trade bait to mitigate the loss.
The best option may be already waiting on the roster.
IS Micah Parsons BEST SUITED to replace Vander Esch in the middle?
That will be a tricky question that Dan Quinn has to answer.
Let's get the softball answers out of the way. Some available free agents are Rashan Evans, Damien Wilson, and Anthony Hitchens.
I don't know if any of those guys pique your interest.
Damone Clark earned at least consideration for the role as the team elevates someone like Malik Jefferson from the practice squad.
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn said mitigating LB Leighton Vander Esch's absence will require a collective effort. He mentioned Damone Clark first and then Micah Parsons, hinting at potentially more off-ball reps for the hybrid defensive end.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 9, 2023
What other options are there outside of trading for someone? Yep, that blinking red link is Micah Parsons.
I know what you are going to say. Why would we give up that pass-rushing prowess for a few weeks of off-ball linebacker duty?
It's simple.
Micah's ability to be a hybrid defender was born out of necessity. There were injuries at the defensive end position, and Quinn plugged him in to fill the gap.
He did more than be a stopgap; a star was born during the Los Angeles Charges game.
From a physical standpoint, he has all the tools to play the role.
Speed, burst, short-area quickness, and tackling ability are all there.
The only area that may be a concern is the field awareness. Attacking downhill is different than playing in space or coverage.
But from where I am, it is a concern I'm willing to work with.
Could Dallas protect Micah and disguise him more as an off-ball linebacker?
That answer is a resounding yes.
Anyone who watched that game against the 49ers noticed the toll it took on Parsons.
For some strange reason, he was lined up over Trent Williams, according to Pro Football Focus, on 18 snaps.
I'm not the brightest bulb in the shed, but isn't he considered the best left tackle in the NFL?
Micah weighs 245 pounds soaking wet, and Williams historically has been 320. That math doesn't add up.
Not to mention, teams prepare to run right at Parsons. PFF graded him a 28.3 versus the run.
Micah Parsons on if the run D still needs to be addressed:
"I don't know. That's something that's like it's just only so much I can do from where I'm sitting at. Like, I don't know what's going on inside, I just set the edge, bro. I don't know things that the interior or… pic.twitter.com/MmowqPYdzd
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) October 9, 2023
When you have linemen blocking you, then a tight end, and depending on the formation, maybe a fullback or running back chips you, it makes for a long day, and grades won't be the best.
At the Mike position, Quinn can give Parsons the same helping of pass rush he had dialed up for Vander Esch.
To date, Leighton has received 31 pass-rushing snaps in five games.
Micah may get more, but offensive coordinators would have difficulty determining when he's coming. And it can protect him throughout the long season.
What will Dallas do on the edge without Parsons?
You can argue that the defensive edge position is the deepest unit on the team.
The safety group came into the season with fanfare but has lost much of its luster over the past few weeks.
Demarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams, Dante Fowler, Jr., and Chauncey Golston won't give the team the same juice that Parsons brings off the edge, but enough to get them by.
Williams and Fowler provide the closest comparison to Micah as outside linebackers, but there will be a realistic talent gap to account for.
The fourth-round pick, Junior Fehoko, from San Jose State, is still waiting to earn some regular season snaps.
Dallas may have to give up something on the edge now to get the long-term benefits.
If Dan Quinn decides to transition, even temporarily, he may land on his version of Fred Warner.
