While offensive linemen in the NFL are typically the largest players on a team, the defensive line isn’t far behind. They must balance size and strength perfectly while retaining agility and athleticism. They need to be able to not only stuff the run but also be aggressive in the passing game.
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense struggled in 2024. According to PFSN’s Defense+ metric, they earned a grade of D for the year. Injuries and losing former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn (not the head coach of the Washington Commanders) hurt them.
However, one former NFL quarterback is expressing concerns over the size of the Cowboys’ defenders and worries that they won’t be able to keep up with the new NFL offense.
Cowboys LB Micah Parsons Defends His Teammates
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky was a bit of a journeyman during his 12 seasons in the league. He now works as an analyst for ESPN, and on a recent episode of “NFL on ESPN,” he listed the weights of the Dallas front seven and called them light compared to the average players.
Orlovsky shared his concerns over the size of the Dallas defense, saying only one player weighs more than 280 lbs. “When I’m playing Philly, when I’m thinking Matt LaFleur running the football, I’m thinking what Chicago has done with their offense. I’m gonna be very interested to see the annual question about this Cowboys defense: Are you big enough to handle the modern-day offense in the NFL? Because it’s back to being what it was in the early 2000s.”
Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons took exception with Orlovsky’s comment and posted his feelings on X about how they will perform in 2025.
“Not gonna lie mf not thinking bout that run when you have a healthy Dak, ceedee and gp my rookie year with coop we averaged 30 points a game with a fluid run game! We’ll be alright!” said the four-time Pro Bowler in his post.
In 2021, Parsons’ rookie season, the Cowboys had the highest point total in the NFL. They averaged 31.2 points per game and scored 530 points in the regular season.
The roster looked different in 2021, but as Parsons mentioned, they have bolstered their 2024 offense with the addition of players like receiver George Pickens, guard Tyler Booker, and Javonte Williams.
Not gonna lie mf not thinking bout that run when you have a healthy Dak, ceedee and gp my rookie year with coop we averaged 30 points a game with a fluid run game! We’ll be alright! https://t.co/8ykJvUqn1j
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11)
Parsons Still Hoping For An Extension
One of the best in the game, Parsons has been watching his peers, like Myles Garrett and Fred Warner, sign extensions commensurate with their contribution level, while he waits.
It doesn’t surprise most fans that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is dragging his feet and making this more dramatic than necessary. It seems evident that Dallas will work something out with the former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, who is the defense’s de facto quarterback.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones recently said he can’t comment specifically but noted that “things come together.” He said they want Parsons to stay in the Big D and believe they will get something done.