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We saw in the past how Micah Parsons sometimes struggled in run defense, so my hope is the Cowboys go right at him on Sunday. What do you think? Will they attack him or try to avoid him? – Bob Simmons/Dallas, TX
Nick: Let's not make it out to be like the Cowboys can just steamroll Parsons on the edge. I don't think we've ever seen that happen when he was here. I think when someone is dominant at something, or a few things, people always want to find the negative.
It's almost like the "Deion never tackled" storyline. Sure, he wasn't Night-Train Lane but he tackled when he needed to. What he was great at was covering his guy. Just like Parsons is great off the edge. I don't think it's weak against the run - but saying all of that - it might be the best way the Cowboys can move the ball. I say that, mainly because you can often use Parsons' aggressiveness to his disadvantage. While he's trying to get up the field, it can create a lane for the run. It won't happen every time, but it's something to consider.
I think Parsons is going to be a HUGE problem for the Cowboys on Sunday. We've seen him when he's really pissed off and motivated and I think it's going to be a higher level than ever before. The problem isn't just blocking Micah, but handling Rashan Gary on the other side.
Patrik: I believe it's a misnomer to claim Parsons isn't good against the run. Is he what DeMarcus Lawrence was against it? Nope. Will he ever be one of the best edge defenders at it? Nope. Is he better than most give him credit for at it? Yep. Would I still aim Javonte Williams at him, nonetheless? Maybe. You have to consider that after getting off to a strong start, Guyton is in a rough patch and, as the young tackle well knows, Parsons is a nightmare to try and defend against. So to run at Parsons means you're running behind Guyton and, if so, the latter will have to have, at minimum, the power to push Parsons backward or to seal him off just long enough for Williams to run by. The power in Guyton is definitely there, but I'm left to wonder if Parsons' quickness will allow for any time of seal that lasts long enough for a handoff to be fruitful in that direction.
But seeing as there's really no other weak spot on the Packers' defensive line to aim the rushing attack at, and with both Beebe and Booker absent, yeah, I'd probably run it right at Micah — behind a combo block that involves the almighty Tyler Smith.
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