Cowboys two-time first-team All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons, who entered Week 18 as one of the top two players on the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year odds list and the leader of the NFL when it comes to pressures on quarterbacks, only added to its claim on Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
Parsons’ third-quarter sack of Washington quarterback Sam Howell brought his season total to 14 and his career total to 40.5, making him the fifth player since the NFL officially began following sacks in 1982 to having 40 or more in his first three seasons. He joins a star-studded roster with two Hall of Famers – Reggie White (52.0) and Derrick Thomas (43.5) – a 2024 Modern Era Hall of Fame semifinalist in Dwight Freeney ( 40.0) and Aldon Smith (40.0). The Pro Bowl rusher called his shot on Wednesday, ensuring his first sack since Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles would come against the Commanders. The 14 sacks are his career high in a single season.
“I know, I know,” Parsons said Wednesday when asked if he had “only” 13 sacks so far this season. “I literally just had this conversation with the guys today. At this point, any means necessary. I might jump offside twice this week. Something has to change. Something. It’s happening. It’s happening , It’s certain.”
40+ sacks played in first three seasons
Since bags became an official statistic (1982)
Parsons still has a quarter and a half left to complete his regular season total as he is fighting for his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
