Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) waits for a play call in the fourth quarter of an NFL Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Dallas Cowboys won, 20-17 Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Micah Parsons' roaring start makes him Defensive Player of Year favorite

Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons, who has trademarked his catchphrase "the lion is always hungry," has an appetite for sacks. He has six through five games. His roaring start may help him run away with NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

According to oddschecker, Parsons is an overwhelming favorite to win the award. 

"The odds say even though we haven't hit mid-October, it's his award to lose," Yahoo! Sports Frank Schwab wrote. 

His latest performance against the Rams showed why he's heavily favored. Despite hobbling through a left groin injury, Parsons forced a fumble, sealing the 22-10 victory. 

The injury may have been irritating, but Parsons refused to sit out. He told Cowboys defensive assistant George Edwards, "George as long as I'm alive, I can go," per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. 

Pushing through pain helped him earn NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. This warrior-like mentality is why Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni will make stopping him a focal point in their matchup on Sunday.

"He'll be accounted for (on) every single play," Sirianni said in a Monday news conference.

The Eagles are 5-0, thanks in large part to a high-flying offense, ranked No. 2 in the NFL. 

"They've got the goods," said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones of the Eagles on Tuesday on KRLD-FM.

If Parsons dismantles the Eagles' explosive offense, it could bolster his strong case for DPOY.  

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