Micah Parsons sets new career-high in Cowboys' Week 18 matchup vs Commanders

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons set a new career-high for sacks on Sunday in the team’s final regular season game against the Washington Commanders. On a third down play, Parsons sacked Sam Howell, notching No. 14 on the season. He was previously stuck on 13 sacks, which he reached in each of the last two seasons.

After the sack, the Cowboys special teams unit came up with a blocked punt and took over the ball at the Washington nine-yard line. Dallas capitalized on the back-to-back wins with a touchdown to veteran wideout Brandin Cooks to make it 35-10.

Before he recorded his 14th sack of the year, Parsons was clearly having a frustrating afternoon. He pled his case to the referees and even got into a scuffle with a Commanders offensive lineman before finally breaking through.

Micah Parsons is frustrated. pic.twitter.com/ukzXovUQpW

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) January 7, 2024

The former first-round pick told reporters this week that he was desperate to set a new career-high in sacks, even joking that he’d jump offsides to do it.

“I know, I know,” Parsons told reporters on Wednesday. “I literally just had this conversation with the guys today. At this point, it’s any means necessary. I might jump offsides twice this week. Something has to change. Something. It’s coming. It’s coming for sure.”

Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore ruled out

The Dallas Cowboys lost cornerback Stephon Gilmore ahead of halftime on Sunday as they led the Washington Commanders. Gilmore was ruled questionable and then out after suffering a shoulder injury on a tackle as the Commanders moved down the field.

Though the veteran had to exit the field after visiting the blue medical tent, the Cowboys made up for his loss almost immediately. Safety Donovan Wilson notched an interception on Washington QB Sam Howell, making it two in back-to-back weeks for the former Texas A&M star. On top of an interception, the Cowboys have also had a forced fumble and recovery on Sunday against the Commanders.

Taking the field with a 14-10 lead, Dak Prescott led the offense down the field on a six-play drive. They capped it with a four-yard touchdown from Prescott to CeeDee Lamb.

The Cowboys added Stephon Gilmore this summer in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. In exchange for a fifth-round pick, the Dallas defense picked up a veteran to play opposite Trevon Diggs. The addition became even more important after Diggs suffered a season-ending injury. Now, Gilmore’s had 62 tackles with two interceptions for the Cowboys this season.