Impact of Cowboys no longer using Micah Parsons in hybrid role

There’s certainly still contact when playing linebacker, and Parsons often blitzed from that spot and took on offensive linemen.

Solely judging things by where he lined up isn’t a tell-all. Using PFF’s numbers, we have an idea of how Parsons was used despite where he lined up. In 2021 he rushed the passer 319 snaps. In 2022, that number increased to 488.

So now the pass-rush stats can be put into more context.

In those additional 169 pass-rush snaps, Parsons notched 20 more QB hurries where he got the opposing thrower off his spot. We witnessed above in the Baldinger video just how impactful those plays could be, so there’s no dismissal here.

But Parsons was a part of 14 sacks in 2021 (12 solo, two half sacks). He was a part of 14 sacks in 2022 (13 solo, a single half sack). Parsons registered a QB hit 14 times in 2021 and 15 times in 2022.

The only tangible benefit shown in Parsons’ taking on almost 170 more collisions against 300-pound lineman and a sizable increase in double teams where it’s multiple people hitting him at once, was 20 hurries.

10 more car accidents a game, several multi-car collisions, one extra hurry.

The wear and tear is tangible and obvious. Are those hurries worth it, or is Quinn doing what Jason Garrett did to Elliott his first three years in the league and putting the type of long-term damage on Parsons’ body that is going to shorten his dominance arc, or career in general?

Is Quinn worried about it? Parsons is absolutely the key (but not only) reason why Quinn is being considered to return to the head coaching level and if he is offered and takes a gig, Parsons will still be in Dallas. I’m not saying Quinn is sacrificing Parsons’ longevity to improve his career standing, but I’m saying that Parsons is a warrior willing to be deployed any way he’s asked.

The Cowboys are going to pay Parsons, just like they did Elliott, and most likely that bag is being secured after Year 3 just like Elliott. But whether it’s Quinn or a different defensive coordinator in 2023, that person needs to be cognizant of not wearing down the talent’s shelf life for minimal returns.