The Dallas Cowboys experienced something on Thursday Night Football they hadn’t seen since Week 1—a quarterback actually dropping back to pass. In recent weeks, the Cowboys’ defense had been so focused on stopping the run that they couldn’t fully unleash their elite pass rush. However, against the New York Giants, who managed just 1.1 yards per carry, that dynamic shifted as Daniel Jones attempted 40 passes.
Despite the increased passing opportunities, the Cowboys’ pass rush, led by Micah Parsons, was surprisingly ineffective. Jones was only sacked once and hit a mere three times, a concerning statistic for a defense that prides itself on getting after the quarterback.
After the game, Parsons, who thankfully avoided a major injury, spoke about the lack of pressure and hinted that defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer may need to reevaluate the team’s approach to dealing with opponents who are scheming to neutralize him.
“A team like that, it’s a lot of chips, a lot of slides, a lot of running back help,” Parsons told reporters. “I don’t even think [the running back] released for a route unless it was a screen. What I’m realizing is even the best [offensive tackles] get help.”
Parsons went on to describe how the Giants’ offensive line and running backs gave Daniel Jones extra protection, specifically designed to slow down his pass rush.
“I don’t think we’ve seen consistent running back or tight end help that much, maybe chips on the outside, but [this] was stepping up into B-gaps, sliding our way,” Parsons added. “It was a good plan, but we’ve got to create a better plan for it.”
Parsons hit the nail on the head—teams are going all out to stop him, and now it’s up to the Cowboys to respond. The formula to contain Parsons has been in circulation since Green Bay’s January game, and it’s no longer an excuse for Dallas. Mike Zimmer, brought in to refine the defense, especially in situations like this, now faces the task of finding solutions to keep Parsons dominant even when opponents throw everything they’ve got at him.
While Parsons will undoubtedly provide his own insights, it’s Zimmer’s responsibility to craft a strategy that counters these double teams, chips, and slide protections. The Cowboys can’t afford to let their star pass rusher be neutralized week after week, and it’s clear they’ll need a better approach going forward. The pressure is on Zimmer to unlock Parsons’ full potential, even in the face of stacked opposition game plans.
