Fixing The Cowboys Porous Run Defense (re: Micah Parsons)

[Texas_Pete]

Micah is an outstanding pass rusher, but a mediocre run defender in my opinion. For example, PFF ranks him 72nd out of 211 edge rushers vs the run (sure PFF is not the end all be all, but in this context they are correct). A lot of heat goes to Mazi Smith, but he's not the only problem vs the run.

Even at around 245lbs, Micah is too slight to be in the same place when deployed to rush the passer or vs the run. Guards, Tackles, and even TEs are allowed to hold him or even tackle him with no penalties (facepalm).

He needs to be moved around - even back to off ball LB to protect him a bit since the officials won't.

Playing (a bit) more LB may actually protect him from 330lb Guards or Tackles getting their hands on him, and wearing him down or even hurting him (like last season).

With more reps at LB he can still rush the passer and can be used as a chess piece.

I'd like to see Kneeland and Sam Williams get more snaps at edge vs the run. They are stronger / bigger than Micah and better vs the run.

The Cowboys gotta control the trenches, with better play vs the run by their edges.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Micah is an outstanding pass rusher, but a mediocre run defender in my opinion. For example, PFF ranks him 72nd out of 211 edge rushers vs the run (sure PFF is not the end all be all, but in this context they are correct). A lot of heat goes to Mazi Smith, but he's not the only problem vs the run.

Even at around 245lbs, Micah is too slight to be in the same place when deployed to rush the passer or vs the run. Guards, Tackles, and even TEs are allowed to hold him or even tackle him with no penalties (facepalm).

He needs to be moved around - even back to off ball LB to protect him a bit since the officials won't.

Playing (a bit) more LB may actually protect him from 330lb Guards or Tackles getting their hands on him, and wearing him down or even hurting him (like last season).

With more reps at LB he can still rush the passer and can be used as a chess piece.

I'd like to see Kneeland and Sam Williams get more snaps at edge vs the run. They are stronger / bigger than Micah and better vs the run.

The Cowboys gotta control the trenches, with better play vs the run by their edges.

In this defense I think the goal is to keep him in one place and not move him all around like in other defenses here!

He's too light, so maybe we should put him at MLB or something to avoid being where he normally is, then on passing downs, put him at DE. No real way to solve this, can't have him gain weight and become sluggish

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Micah is an outstanding pass rusher, but a mediocre run defender in my opinion. For example, PFF ranks him 72nd out of 211 edge rushers vs the run (sure PFF is not the end all be all, but in this context they are correct). A lot of heat goes to Mazi Smith, but he's not the only problem vs the run.

Even at around 245lbs, Micah is too slight to be in the same place when deployed to rush the passer or vs the run. Guards, Tackles, and even TEs are allowed to hold him or even tackle him with no penalties (facepalm).

He needs to be moved around - even back to off ball LB to protect him a bit since the officials won't.

Playing (a bit) more LB may actually protect him from 330lb Guards or Tackles getting their hands on him, and wearing him down or even hurting him (like last season).

With more reps at LB he can still rush the passer and can be used as a chess piece.

I'd like to see Kneeland and Sam Williams get more snaps at edge vs the run. They are stronger / bigger than Micah and better vs the run.

The Cowboys gotta control the trenches, with better play vs the run by their edges.

Micah, unfortunately is a one trick gelding. He focuses on sacks, not stopping the run.

 

[kskboys]

Micah was a noted run stopper as a downhill LB. His problem is simply position. Maybe a 3-4 OLB would help.

 

[diamonddelts]

Micah was a noted run stopper as a downhill LB. His problem is simply position. Maybe a 3-4 OLB would help.

I concur

 

[phildadon86]

Micah was a noted run stopper as a downhill LB. His problem is simply position. Maybe a 3-4 OLB would help.

Yup. Best run defense percentage in college at LB. Destroyed the cotton bowl single handedly at LB. Cowboys put him at DE

 

[fivetwos]

There’s no need to stop the run.

It’s about sack and interception stats.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Yup. Best run defense percentage in college at LB. Destroyed the cotton bowl single handedly at LB. Cowboys put him at DE

Issue was him being a full time DE making DE type of money and not LB money. We clearly know Micah you're a DE, but for goodness sake play some LB