Micah Parsons believes the NFL was right in naming Myles Garrett this year’s Defensive Player of the Year. The Dallas Cowboys linebacker also made some glowing comments about TJ Watt, who finished second.
Parsons actually left Watt, the first player in NFL history to lead the NFL in sacks three times, from his list of the NFL’s top passers. In order, Parsons ranked himself, Garrett, Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa as the best passers in the league.
“I mean, look at the statistics,” Parsons said while defending his point of view. The Zach Gelb Show. “The stats don’t lie. I think Alex Highsmith had a higher passing and double team rate than TJ Watt.”
Parsons, who has yet to win the DPOY, finished behind Watt in this year’s voting.
“I’m not a sore loser. I thought it should have gone to Myles if not me,” Parsons said. “Watch the Titans game alone. No offense, but TJ played against the Titans, did you see two tight ends following TJ Watt? They follow (Garrett) all the way down the line.
“People can say whatever they want, but at the end of the day, the movie doesn’t lie. His presence is much more dominant than TJ Watt’s, and that’s just reality.”
Speaking of stats and reality, the reality is Watt has had five more sacks, two more fumble recoveries and one more interception this season than Garrett. Watt’s stats have also eclipsed the numbers posted by Parsons this season.
Watt caused a sensation with his quick reaction not to win his second DOPOY prize. He was asked about the price the next day.
“I think it’s for everyone to debate,” Watt told SB Nation. “It’s something I’m really used to at this point. Just use it as motivation for the future.”
Parsons emphasized that he had no personal issues with Watt. He just thinks he and Garrett are better passers despite Watt’s gaudier numbers.
“There’s no beef at all,” he said. “One thing I hate in the NFL and NBA community, we just hate it when someone else wins. When I lost to TJ, I didn’t come in and say I was snubbed .I just said I was going to work…” The biggest mistake people make is saying someone isn’t worthy. Who are you to say that someone doesn’t deserve an award of this magnitude? ”
He may not be criticizing Garrett for winning, but by criticizing Watt, Parsons is discrediting Watt, his 2021 DPOY win, and the success he has had with the Steelers. Luckily for Watt, he will have the opportunity to show Parsons how good he is in person when the Cowboys come to Pittsburgh during the 2024 season.