The first two seasons of Micah Parsons’ career, the Dallas Cowboys pass rusher finished just short of 14 sacks: 13 as a rookie, then 13.5 in his second season as a pro. While no one doubts his impact, Parsons made a point to get over that numerical hump in Week 18 vs. the Commanders.
During the lead-up to the season finale, Parsons spoke to media about his sack total and gave his two cents about sitting at 13 with a game to play. A Defensive Player of the Year contender, he’s setting the bar extremely high for himself.
Cowboys hybrid DE Micah Parsons had 13 sacks as a rookie, 13 1/2 last year and now has 13 in Year 3 with one game to go. He is tired of 13. "I literally just had this conversation with the guys today. At this point, it's any means necessary. I might jump offside twice this week.…
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 3, 2024
Parsons is a man of his word, and the statement “it’s coming” rang true during the third quarter in Washington. He beat his matchup on the edge, as he often does, but he wasn’t held this time and took down quarterback Sam Howell for sack No. 14 on the season.
The celebration was on in the moment as Parsons set a new record for himself. Just moments later, the Cowboys special teams added to the flame with a blocked punt by tight end Peyton Hendershot.
BLOCKED KICK! Everything coming up Cowboys 🤠
📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/gahB9Ml2kf— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
Three plays later, quarterback Dak Prescott completed the play that has become clockwork for Dallas. He sailed a pass straight into the hands of wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who ran the corner route to perfection again for a touchdown.
.@dak letting it Rayne in DC ⛈️
📺: FOX & NFL+ → https://t.co/yLMhJNTZjs pic.twitter.com/4lcTPGQb3v
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) January 7, 2024
This was once just a 10-7 Commanders lead in the second quarter, but 28 unanswered from the Cowboys have all but secured the NFC East title for America’s Team.
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