Micah Parsons says 2023 season feels 'completely different' for Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are off to a 2-0 start in the 2023 NFL season, with star edge rusher Micah Parsons leading the way.

The two-time runner-up for the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award looks primed to once again be in contention based on his performance in Weeks 1 and 2. He’s recorded 3.0 sacks with seven tackles (six solo) and a forced fumble.

Simply put, as Parsons goes, so does the Cowboys’ defense, which has surrendered just 10 points through two games. Parsons is feeling mighty confident this Dallas team has staying power, saying on “The Pat McAfee Show” Tuesday that things feel “different” compared to the past two seasons.

"This year feels completely different for us as a team..

We know what we're capable of and it's looking dangerous right now" @MicahhParsons11 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/isYWm9eVsc

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 19, 2023

“It feels completely different,” Parsons said. “I feel like there’s a complete 360 turnaround because you know, it’s hard when you bring in a bunch of free agent guys and you sign them to two-year deals and things like that. You never know how things are gonna turn out, but I think the first year we were like, ‘OK, we can really fit in the system.’

“And the second year it was like everyone grew, everyone felt like, ‘OK, now we got the ins and outs, we’re still learning how to play together.’ But I think this year, man coming into camp it was like, ‘Man, we know what we’re capable of, like we already know how each other play, how each other like.’ It’s looking dangerous right now I can’t even lie to you.”

Dan Quinn: the best has yet to come from Micah Parsons

Sitting among the sack leaders in the NFL and seemingly owning rent in opposing backfields, it might be hard to believe there’s even more to Parsons’ game. But according to defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, that’s exactly the case.

“He has really worked his [butt] off this offseason,” Quinn said Monday. “He’s faster, his hands are better, his rushing is better. That jump that you hoped somebody would make, he was intentional about the work that he put in. He’s definitely playing better than he ever has, which is saying a lot. You haven’t seen it all yet, for sure.”

Parsons and the Cowboys will have an opportunity to improve to 3-0 in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.