Breaking down Bleacher Report’s Cowboys hot takes for 2022

3. Micah Parsons Wins Defensive Player of the Year

Perhaps one of the biggest questions surrounding the Cowboys this year is whether or not Micah Parsons can have the same success and dominance he did in his rookie year. While the linebacker himself has no plans to slow down and has been busting his butt ever since the 2021 season ended, teams will be far more prepared for him this year.

But how much preparation can you do for a player this versatile? That’s what makes Parsons so special. In my opinion, this is probably the least likely of the takes to come true. That is not because I think the linebacker will regress and it’s not because I don’t think it’s possible. It’s because there are so many defensive powerhouses in this league that it is hard to be the outright best among names like T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, and Aaron Donald.

Parsons was left hungry (as he puts it) after losing out on the chance to be the first rookie since Lawrence Taylor to win this award. But if Parsons can improve on his first year, which he fully plans on doing, then why shouldn’t he win? Another defender would need to do something absolutely spectacular to outshine this incredible athlete.

"He more than holds his own in pass coverage. He allowed just a 71.5 passer rating when targeted last season. When he’s allowed to go after the quarterback, he’s the most efficient rusher in the league. He managed to notch 13 sacks despite being a part-time rusher. He more than holds his own in pass coverage. He allowed just a 71.5 passer rating when targeted last season. When he’s allowed to go after the quarterback, he’s the most efficient rusher in the league. He managed to notch 13 sacks despite being a part-time rusher."

Let’s hope that Ballentine writing these things on the internet means he’s manifesting all three of them to actually happen.