Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons takes a lot of pride in his abilities. So when he learned that ESPN ranked him only the third-best pass rusher in the NFL, he went off.
A recent ESPN power ranking of pass rushers determined ranking based on a combination of rankings from NFL executives, coaches and scouts. Some ranked him as high as first while some had him all the way at seventh, averaging out to No. 3 on the list.
But Parsons, who was No. 1 on the list last year, saw the ranking and wasn’t having it. He took particular issue with ESPN crediting him with being double-teamed exactly 167 times in 2023 and argued that it was “maybe 500” instead.
“There no way it was 167 double teams ! Maybe 500! Mf can’t fwm man! It’s up this year on mommas! 2 weeks!” Parsons declared on X this morning.
“Most doubled team player but I have best pash rush percentage and most pressures! Saying production low something not adding up!” Parsons added.
There no way it was 167 double teams ! Maybe 500! Mf can’t fwm man! It’s up this year on mommas! 2 weeks! https://t.co/dSLTk3yJqD
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) July 10, 2024
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Parsons had a career year in 2023 with 14.0 sacks and 33 QB hits – both career highs – along with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and 18 tackles for loss. For his efforts, Parsons finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors.
But it’s also worth noting that Parsons’ 14.0 sacks only ranked seventh in the NFL this past season. T.J. Watt led the way with 19.0 and several others had at least 16.
There’s no denying that Parsons is one of the best defenders in the NFL. His top-three voting for the award every year since his rookie season shows just how highly-regarded he is.
Was Parsons unfairly ranked here?