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When Mike Zimmer joined Dallas this offseason to take over defensive playcalling, he spoke of moving Micah Parsons around and creating mismatches and opportunities for his young All-Pro. All too often under the last regime Parsons was schemed against, double and even triple teamed. No more, implied Zimmer.
The news was music to many Cowboys’ fans ears and a sign Parsons would be more of a factor in critical situations down the stretch. but that may all have to wait until Week 2.
The Browns, Dallas’ Week 1 opponent, have been unsettled at their tackle positions. Cleveland announced Jedrick Wills, former No. 10 pick and starting left tackle since 2020, will not be the starting tackle this week against the Cowboys. Instead, Jack Conklin will get the start.
Jedrick Wills Jr. says he’s not going to be starting Sunday against the Cowboys
— Chris Easterling (@ceasterlingABJ) September 4, 2024
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Conklin, a career RT, hasn’t played LT since college. The 30-year-old has an All-Pro resume working in his favor but faces a tough draw going up against Parsons in Week 1. For as nice as it would be to move Parsons around all afternoon, the best opportunities may come rushing from the right side and testing the Browns temporary Band-aid at LT. Even if Wills rotates in the game at LT like Cleveland has suggested, Parsons may still want to test the waters of the rehabbing OT.
The task at right tackle now falls on second-year pro Dawand Jones. Jones took 710 snaps at RT during his rookie season. The former Buckeye struggled particularly in the run game; an area in which DeMarcus Lawrence thrives that could lend itself to advantageous matchups for both Cowboys edges.
Both of Cleveland’s starting OTs are flawed enough to be exploitable, Jones for his inexperience in the NFL and Conklin for his unfamiliarity with the position. It potentially sets the stage for an ideal Week 1 matchup for the Cowboys top two pass rushers.
While everyone is talking about the Myles Garrett and Tyler Guyton battle, the real impact on the edge could come at the hands of the Cowboys defense.