Under the tutelage of Mike Zimmer and Paul Guenther, Dallas has implemented special packages to fully exploit the ability of the star defensive player.
OXNARD — It’s just after 8 a.m., and the team meeting of the Dallas Cowboys it is finished.
While a good portion of the 90-man roster heads to special teams meetings, linebacker Micah Parsons heads to the defensive boardroom for breakfast. Nearby is the new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmerand the ground game coordinator, Paul Guenther. For most of this week, the cornerback Trevon Diggs has joined the group.
The Dallas Cowboys plan to expand Micah Parsons’ versatility again with the return of Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
For the next 20 minutes, Parsons becomes the student and Zimmer in the teacher.
“I’m not just learning the defense. They have me understanding the defense as a whole. Protection plans; understanding why the slide is going to be below here; where my opportunities are going to be; why they identify the [apoyador medio, también conocido como Mike]; why we drop the safety and why it switches to the Mike; and why they might slide to that side instead of our side; and why the blitz comes from this side,” he explained. Parsons“I would just say they’re increasing my football IQ. It’s not just about the system. I think one day, they’re putting me in a position to coach or something, because every day is different.”
Parsons has been a force since the Cowboys they will select him in the first round of the 2021 draft. In three campaigns, he has been All-Pro of first or second team. He has been invited to the Pro Bowl in each season. He has finished in the top three in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year every season. Only Parsons y Reggie White have recorded at least 12 catches in each of their first three seasons of NFL.
But, Zimmer look to give him more responsibilities. As a rookie, Parsons He genuinely split time between traditional linebacker and pass rusher. In 2022 and 2023, he was predominantly lining up on the edge.
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This year, it is expected that Parsons move more.
“It’s brilliant, No. 1,” he described. Zimmer of Parsons“Understand American football, No. 2.”
Parsons said Zimmer has integrated packages “Lion” (in reference to the alma mater of Parson, Penn State Nittany Lions) in the base defenses, with five and six defensive backs.
The closest thing to Zimmer has had someone with the tools to Parsons was Anthony Barrwho was his first-round recruit in 2014, when he served as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
“I don’t know if I could play all positions,” he said. Zimmer“He could probably play free safety if he wanted to. Now, I don’t want him back there covering passes very often.”
So far in training camp, Parsons He’s been switching back and forth between putting his hand on the ground and lining up as a traditional linebacker. He looks more like he did in his rookie season, when he spent more time at linebacker than defensive end.
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In one practice, he went from trying to beat the rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton along the edge to drop back into coverage on the next play, with the offensive line being caught off guard and allowing pressure from a player on the blitz on the other side.
“I’m going to do a bit of both, as I’ve done in the past,” he revealed. Parsons“I think the staff and the packages are good. And now that we have a better understanding of each other, I think it’s going to be a great year.”
When Zimmer was hired, much was said about his old-fashioned ways and how he would fit in with Parsonsbeing an often grumpy coach who returns after a two-year absence from the NFL. In June, Parsons He said he had not exchanged “even 20 words”, especially because Parsons He did not attend the voluntary portion of the offseason program. He did, however, speak frequently with Guentherwho has become a kind of mentor for Parsons. Guenther attended the American football camp Parsons en Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Zimmer has come across that Parsons He is extremely easy to manage, just like other great players he has had in the past, such as Deion Sanders, Darren Woodson, Danielle Hunter y Eric Kendricksamong others.
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“I talked to him [recientemente] …about something where I think I might be more effective if I did such a thing, and he agreed,” he noted. Zimmer“But great players want to be coached. Players want to get better. My philosophy has always been, ‘If they know you can help them and you know what you’re doing, they’re going to listen.’ Their careers aren’t very long, so the more they can get better and better, obviously the better for the team and the better for their careers.”
From the stories he heard Parsons before getting to know Zimmersaid that the coach has changed completely, but he did admit that he has not seen what he is like Zimmer during matches when “attention and emotions are much higher.”
He said their conversations have been transparent.
“I would say that Zim He is definitely one of the most knowledgeable guys I have ever met,” he acknowledged. Parsons. “The same goes for Paul. Zim He doesn’t say much, but he says why. He’s not a coach who just tells you to do something. He’s someone who’s going to tell you why he’s telling you what he’s saying and why it’s successful. There’s always purpose behind what he says, so when he talks, you really listen and gravitate towards it.”
Parsons also gravitated towards his first coordinator in the NFL, Dan Quinn. The two quickly formed a bond, and Parsons stay in touch with de Quinnnow head coach of the Washington Commanders.
“He’s my eldest uncle, someone I love deeply,” she admitted. Parsons“But at the end of the day, I have a job to do, and that’s to kick his ass twice a year. We can hug after that.”
Zimmer He may not be the oldest uncle, but Parsons He knows that the coach wants the best for him, especially with the packages.Lion‘.
“It’s an honor. It shows a lot that (1) he believes in me, (2) he understands the capabilities that I have, and then (3) I think it comes down to me wanting it and being eager to learn, eager to learn the concepts, understanding that more will be needed from me, and then (4) both are required,” he said. Parsons“His drive is to see me be great. My drive is to want to be great. And when you put, I think, two great minds together, great things can happen.”
