The matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams in Week 5 was a star-studded affair, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Pro Bowlers and All-Pros litter both defenses as both teams possess some big-time talent on that side of the ball. Two of the biggest names are Cowboys’ linebacker Micah Parsons and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Both players showed why they are among the best players in the league regardless of position and are so difficult for opposing teams to game plan against.
Whether you are throwing double or triple teams at him, Donald is going to make plays during the game. He is a true game wrecker as he lives in the opponent’s backfields. Despite Cooper Rush attempting only 16 passes in the game, Donald still racked up 2.0 sacks and two quarterback hits. He added a tackle for a loss and forced a fumble as well.
Opposing offenses do everything in their power to run plays away from Donald, but he still finds a way to make plays week in and week out. He is regarded as the best defensive player in the NFL and that is a title that Parsons wants to have.
Jon Machota of The Athletic shared a quote from Parsons, who shared that he believes Donald is the only player in the NFL in the discussion along with him for the best defender. He is doing his best to reach him in the rankings.
“There’s only one best rusher in the league. To me, it’s a competition between me and (Aaron Donald). … I want to potentially be the best player in this league, so with Aaron taking the cake right now, I’m just pushing. I’m climbing. Someone’s always coming.”
Parsons, not to be outdone by Aaron Donald, was excellent on Sunday afternoon as well. He matched him with 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble and one tackle for loss in the game. Parsons had one less total tackle, but he did register one more quarterback hit, finishing the game with three compared to two from Donald.
The Penn State product made life miserable for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was under duress from the opening whistle. Micah Parsons is making a strong case to be regarded as the best pass rusher in the league as he is now leading the NFL with 6.0 sacks on the season.
