Micah Parsons reportedly saw some work at off-ball linebacker on Day 1 of Dallas Cowboys training camp.
One of the biggest questions this season hovers around one of the only new names associated with the Dallas Cowboys - Mike Zimmer. We have noted how much success this organization has had over the last three years and a big reason for that has obviously been that it is 100% of the Micah Parsons era, but that was also 100% of the Dan Quinn era.
In the offseason Quinn left for the division rival Washington Commanders and taking over for him is someone who knows a thing or two about calling the Cowboys defense, Mike Zimmer. How Zimmer evaluates things will go a long way in determining what the group will look like this year.
Micah Parsons saw work at off-ball linebacker on Day 1 of camp
Many have wondered if Zimmer taking over at DC could lead to more work for Parsons further back in the defense. The days of debating whether or not he was a linebacker or edge rusher feel like forever ago as it is undeniable where he impacts the game the most. But there is more to the conversation than just that point.
It can be argued that Parsons would benefit from not rushing the passer from September all the way on, but you obviously want him in the game. Playing him at off-ball linebacker may be good for the overall state of things.
There is no need to make any mountain out of this mole hill, but Parsons did see some work at off-ball linebacker during Thursday’s opening practice at training camp.
Could this be simply for the purposes of fully understanding Mike Zimmer’s defense? That is definitely possible. Running from the heart of things provides a different level of understanding and this time of year is specifically for reconnaissance.
But this is definitely a page to put a bookmark in. There is definitely merit to playing Parsons at off-ball linebacker if the pass rush can be serviceable (for lack of a better word) without him there. He is a world-class athlete and can contribute from anywhere on defense, so if this move would save some of the tread on the tires, so to speak, then it is absolutely worth exploring.
Obviously it is possible that this winds up being a bunch of nothing that was ultimately just a thing that happened on the very first day of training camp. It certainly would not be the first time that this wound up the case.
We are still at a point in time where the Cowboys can keep their cards close to the vest, but soon enough they will have to tell and show us what they are really thinking.
Do you think that will involve Parsons playing off-ball linebacker at any point in the regular season?
