While most of the premiere episode of “Hard Knocks” focused on Dak Prescott, one of the other featured players was 1st-Round rookie Micah Parsons. The young linebacker's hunger for more playing time, and for better snacks in practice, were both memorable moments from last night's show.
Other than getting burned by FB Sewo Olonilua in a one-on-one drill, it was a great debut for Parsons to those in Cowboys Nation who've yet to learn much about him. But even in that sequence, Micah's desire to make up for that mistake showed as he grabbed an interception in practice and referenced “Wo's” win against him as his motivation.
“The lion's always hungry”
– Micah Parsons 🦁Hard Knocks is going to be a treat 🍿
(Via @GehlkenNFL) pic.twitter.com/aI3yodVReI
— PFF (@PFF) August 7, 2021
Perhaps vocabulary he picked up during his days at Penn State, Parsons' statement about lions and hunger resonated throughout the episode. It especially showed during the footage from the Cowboys-Steelers preseason game and Micah's disappointment at not getting anymore playing time that evening.
Even gobbling up that one fumble wasn't enough to satiate Parsons' desire that night.
"Can I just get like one more? That was not enooouuuggghhh." – Micah Parsons to Dan Quinn
Rook genuinely wanted more but I agree with Quinn: sit it down Mr. First-Round Pick
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 11, 2021
What we've seen from “Hard Knocks” only reinforces the early impressions of Micah; there's nothing not to like about him so far. The 22-year-old carries a heavy burden given the state of the Cowboys' linebacker position but his personality and drive seem ideal to the task.
Sure, people can always project a certain image when they know the cameras are rolling. But as long as he keeps backing it up on the field then Parsons won't have any of the perception issues that another Cowboys linebacker has been dealing with lately.
Above all else, this Dallas defense needs playmakers. We already know how Mike McCarthy feels about “Charlie F***around” and “High School Harry” but the real issue for us has been too many Solid Sams and Average Joes. With more than enough talent on offense, we need more real difference-makers on the other side of the ball.
Hopefully, Micah Parsons' hunger won't let up anytime soon!
