Dallas Cowboys: Top 3 player matchups for showdown with Falcons

Falcons vs Cowboys: 2. Micah Parsons vs Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson is another unicorn type player leading the Falcons in rushing and second in receiving this season. Before this year Patterson was mostly known for his kick return ability, but he has turned himself into a valuable offensive asset.

Patterson has a PFF grade of 90.2 on the year which ranks first for running backs. He is averaging 92.2 scrimmage yards per game and the Falcons find creative ways to get him in space. His prowess as a kick returner goes to show how dangerous he is in the open field.

Patterson has the ability to break a lot of tackles and once he gets past you, good luck catching him due to his breakaway speed. According to Next Gen Stats, Patterson has had multiple plays where he carried the ball faster than 20 mph.

Luckily for the Cowboys, they have Micah Parsons who has elite speed and can match up with Patterson. Back in week 3, Parsons was tracked running 19.15 mph according to Next Gen Stats. Parsons has great sideline to sideline speed and he is a sure tackler.

He will need to show both of those qualities on Sunday to slow down Patterson. Parsons is currently the Cowboys’ most valuable player on defense and they will need him to take an even bigger role with Randy Gregory being placed on short-term injured reserve.