Micah Parsons started his DPOY campaign in fine fashion

The forecast called for rain but it was the Dallas Cowboys, not Mother Nature, who actually made it pour in East Rutherford on Sunday night. Everything went about as well as it could’ve for Dallas and, as has been the case since Dan Quinn took over as defensive coordinator, it all starts with the defense. Shutting out any NFL team is an impressive feat, let alone one that was in the playoffs just eight months ago. The key to success for Dallas under Quinn has always been getting to the QB and Sunday was no different in their 40-0 victory.

Generating pressure on 23 of Daniel Jones’ 37 dropbacks, the Cowboys’ front seven dominated from start to finish. None other than superstar Micah Parsons, who might just be the best player on either side of Patrick Mahomes, led the way.

After a blocked field goal return gave Dallas an early 6-0 lead, the defense returned to the field and chaos ensued.

On 3rd-and-10 on the Giants’ 25, Parsons burst through a double team and tallied his first sack of the night.

With only one sack and three total tackles, it may seem as if Parsons didn’t have much impact on the game. Think again.

Parsons is one of the league’s most feared players, and it’s seen on every snap. Early on he made one of the best LTs in the league, Andrew Thomas, false start because of the pure fear tackles have of Parsons beating them outside.

He doesn’t just affect the gameplan of the man in front of him, he forces the entire line to change what they want to do. This in turn sets up his teammates for easy opportunities to make plays in the backfield.

To say Parsons is one of the best players in the league somehow seems to discredit his abilities and impact on the game. He looks hungrier than ever and will face a Jets team next week with one of the league’s weaker OLs. That will be one to tune in as Parsons continues to chase his elusive DPOY award.

Story originally appeared on Cowboys Wire