Should Dallas Cowboys Move Micah Parsons Off the Edge? Analyzing the Strategic Problems
The Dallas Cowboys didn’t just lose in embarrassing fashion to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. They also lost key contributors.
Among the casualties of Week 5’s 42-10 loss was starting middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. The Boise State product has been a consistent contributor for the Cowboys but suffered a neck injury late in Sunday’s contest.
At this point, being placed on injured reserve is a legitimate possibility. Adding to the scare is Vander Esch’s injury history, which includes a neck stinger in 2019 and a pinched nerve in his neck three years prior.
It goes without saying that it’s a brutal blow to both Vander Esch and a Dallas defense that so dearly needs to rebound.
On Monday, Dan Quinn raised the possibility of superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons spending time at middle linebacker in Vander Esch’s absence - a consequence of an intentional decision to go light at linebacker heading into the year.
Parsons celebrates after a big play.
Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
I get it, the math checks out. Dallas has depth on the edge with DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler all capable of adequate production (if not more, in Lawrence’s case). Parsons has a history as a linebacker at both the collegiate and professional levels and certainly has the traits to flourish there.
My hesitancy lies in the ceiling of this defense. Yes, the Cowboys need to find bodies to fill Vander Esch’s snaps, and the rest of the roster doesn’t paint a rosy picture. Trades are easier to imagine than to execute, and there’s no telling if there’s any momentum on a move.
But every coverage snap Parsons takes is a snap where someone, whether it be the quarterback, tackle, or coordinator, is breathing a sigh of relief.
Parsons is a game-wrecker as a pass rusher, one of the most valuable assets a team can possess. Moving him off the ball for extended snaps neuters a pass rush that desperately needs to shine after the injury sustained by cornerback Trevon Diggs early in the season.
Obviously, the circumstances are different, but how much production had former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Haason Reddick missed out on so he could run with a tight end?
Building on dominant units is how teams dominate on defense. As long as Dallas can find some semblance of competency in the middle of its defense, letting Parsons continue doing what he does best may be the best path forward. Even if it means swallowing an unfortunately large pill at linebacker.
