Steelers’ TJ Watt Absolutely 'Not A Top 5 Pass Rusher' According To Cowboys’ Micah Parsons

Enter Micah Parsons, the outspoken linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, whose remarks further fueled the debate. Parsons, belittled Watt while endorsing Garrett's selection, citing intangible factors beyond statistical metrics. In a candid interview with Zach Gelb, Parsons defended the decision, emphasizing the impact of game film in assessing defensive performance.

“No offense, but TJ played the [Tennessee] Titans. Did you see two tight ends following TJ Watt? People can say whatever they want, but at the end of the day, the film doesn’t lie.”

Parsons is suggesting that Watt's dominance was easier to facilitate due to him not commanding the same attention as himself or Garrett. That statement is not only untrue, but also lacks merit. Contrary to this claim, Watt has been observed facing significant challenges, including combating triple and double teams, as well as grappling with holding tactics on the field. Parsons continued to bash Watt further. 

“I mean, look at the stats. The stats don’t lie. I think he might have been sixth. Alex Highsmith I think had a better pass rush rate and a more double team rate than TJ Watt. This isn’t my stuff. I’m not pulling this out my a**. Look at the stats.”

Parsons' commentary extended beyond the DPOY debate, as he unveiled his rankings of top pass rushers, conspicuously omitting Watt from his list. When pressed about Watt's exclusion, Parsons pointed to statistical comparisons, citing fellow Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith's superior pass rush rate and double team frequency. 

Parsons doubled down on his sentiments stating that Garrett's presence is way more overwhelming than Watt's.

“His presence is way more dominant than TJ Watt and that’s just the reality of it.”

While Parsons refrained from personal animosity towards Watt, his remarks underscored a broader narrative of competitive rivalry. Parsons' assertion that losing serves as motivation rather than bitterness reflects his own approach to setbacks, suggesting that Watt should similarly channel his frustration into renewed determination.

The aftermath of Parsons' remarks has seen a clash of perspectives within the NFL community. While some applaud Parsons for his candid assessment, others view his comments as a deliberate attempt to diminish Watt's achievements. Indeed, the assertion that Watt falls short of the top echelon of pass rushers contradicts established statistical benchmarks, raising questions about the validity of such assertions.

In the realm of professional football, accolades serve as a testament to individual excellence, yet their attribution often sparks contentious debate. The case of Watt's snub for the 2023 DPOY Award epitomizes this dynamic, as conflicting perspectives collide over the assessment of defensive prowess.

While Parsons' contrarian view challenges conventional wisdom, it fails to withstand scrutiny when confronted with empirical evidence. Statistical analysis reaffirms Watt's status as a premier pass rusher, underscoring the inadequacy of subjective assessments in evaluating performance.

As the dust settles on this contentious debate, one truth remains evident: Watt's impact transcends accolades, cementing his legacy as a defensive force to be reckoned with in the annals of NFL history.