Jerry Jones gave insight into why trading away Micah Parsons wasn’t a devastating blow for the Cowboys by explaining how the team plans to beat the Packers in Week 4.
On Thursday, Dallas sent Parsons to Green Bay — a team that’s knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs three times since 2014.
During a press conference, Jones pointed to the team’s need to improve against the run as a key reason behind the move. His comments appeared to indirectly critique Parsons, implying that his presence on the field contributed to the team’s struggles stopping the run.
“The reality is, we need to stop the run,” Jones said, per Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS. “We’ve failed to do that in key moments over several years. When you’ve got an elite pass rusher like Micah, teams neutralize him by running straight at him.
“If your pass rush isn’t putting you in a strong lead, and the game is even or you’re behind, then your vulnerability against the run becomes a serious issue.”
Although Jones acknowledged Parsons’ pass-rushing abilities, he noted that Dallas’ defense has consistently underperformed against the run since Parsons joined the roster in 2021. The front office believes that the trade positions the team to be more balanced and playoff-ready.
When asked how Dallas could handle Green Bay in Week 4, Jones said the key would be jumping out to an early lead and exploiting a Packers defense missing linebacker Quay Walker — and now featuring Parsons.
“Micah’s going to be a handful, no doubt,” Jones told TMJ4 News’ Ashley Washburn. “So we need to get out front and run the ball.”
That’s now the Cowboys’ most effective strategy. Without their top edge rusher, the offense — led by Dak Prescott and featuring receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens — must set the tone early.
The challenge will be whether the offensive line can keep Prescott upright long enough to make plays, especially with Parsons looking to prove himself against his former team — and with a new contract in hand.
