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Cowboys’ weekly superlatives after Week 1 loss to Buccaneers

By Brandon Martinez

Sep 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) reacts after recording a sack during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) reacts after recording a sack during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Cowboys had a rough showing in their season-opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not a lot went right all night, especially when you know that Brett Maher scored all of your team’s points (yikes).

There has been a lot of negativity going around after coming out of the gate like this. Don’t get me wrong, it is valid. However, it’s also good to highlight what went right for the team. To do that, I will be giving out awards to individual players on the team after each week this season.

These awards will consist of normal NFL award categories including Most Valuable Player, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, and Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Week.

Also, as a note, no player can win more than one award per week. So, if one player wins MVP for the week, even if they deserve another award, they cannot win another award, to ensure we can give a spotlight to other players that performed well.

Handing out Cowboys weekly awards after the Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay

Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Sep 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) in game action during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

MVP: Micah Parsons, LB

This is a no-brainer. There was absolutely no way anyone on offense was winning this award, and only one player on defense specifically stuck out Sunday night. Of course, that’s the runner-up to last year’s Defensive Player of the Year award, Micah Parsons.

The reigning DROY was the top player in the entire league in terms of pass rush win rate for Week 1, beating out names like Shaq Barrett, Von Miller, and Myles Garrett.

Parsons had a great game. He led a defense that, despite the loss, held a Tom Brady-led offense to 19 points. He was all over the field, making stops, and of course, was a presence in the backfield constantly.

According to PFF, Parsons led the team in multiple statistical categories, including pressures (5), hurries (2, tied with Osa Odighizuwa and Tarrell Basham), sacks (2), and QB hits (1, tied with Donovan Wilson). He also graded out very well for PFF, leading the team in defensive grade with an 85.7. The 23-year-old also had the highest pass-rush grade by a wide margin, with an 88.4.

The second-year superstar enjoyed a great start to his sophomore season and easily runs away with this award. This was a mix of just having that good of a game and there not being much competition for it. However, that does not take anything away from No. 11’s tremendous performance.

Runner-up: K Brett Maher (seriously)

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