Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys is perhaps the best edge rusher in the league.
In 2023, Parsons led the NFL with 103 quarterback pressures and finished eighth with 14.0 sacks.
Dallas will shuffle Parsons all over the field in search of matchups. But because he does most of his work on the wing, Green Bay’s tackle combination of Walker and Tom will be put to the test frequently.
Tom had an outstanding second season, allowing only two sacks in 1,068 snaps. Walker has improved during the season, but in 851 snaps, he has also allowed six sacks and nine penalties.
That implies Parsons may prefer to line up ahead of Walker rather than Tom.
“I think’Sheed’s done a pretty good job,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of Walker. “I still think what’s exciting about Sheed is that there’s a lot of room for improvement.” But, overall, I believe he’s handled himself well and will continue to improve as he plays.”
3. Kenny Clark, DE
Clark was switched from nose tackle to defensive end by the Packers this year, and he responded with one of his best seasons in his stellar eight-year career.
Clark got 7.5 sacks, a career best, and 16 quarterback hits, the second-most in his career.
Dak Prescott of Dallas has enjoyed an MVP-caliber season, leading the NFL with 36 touchdown passes and 4,516 yards. When forced to leave the pocket and throw on the run, Prescott isn’t the same player.
Clark should face Dallas’ poor right tackle Terrence Steele, who has allowed eight sacks and has seven penalties. If Clark can dominate that matchup and make Prescott uncomfortable, the Cowboys’ passing game could be in trouble.
“They’ve been able to make a bunch of explosive plays,” LaFleur said of the Cowboys offense. “They’re scoring a lot of points.” I just think a lot of it is determined by how well the quarterback performs.”
