It was nearly a year ago that the Dallas Cowboys were struck with the news that Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers, of all places. Since then, Jerry Jones has made it his mission to stop the run. Now, he has an actual case to be proud of, as Quinnen Williams was named the No. 1 player on Bleacher Report's list of defensive line rankings.
Even though the Cowboys couldn't do anything right on defense last year, Jones made a late push at the trade deadline for Williams. It wasn't enough to save the season, but he showed us a sample of Williams' skills.
"He did have a down year statistically, with a career-low 2.5 sacks, but his quickness and unique athleticism showed up more in Dallas and helped the 28-year-old win more frequently than he did earlier in the season."
Jerry Jones vindicated for trading for Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams
The trade for Parsons was going to be a long-term investment at the very least. With that said, we would've known in two years if the trade was going to be a flop or a win. It turned out to be a win, largely because of the Williams trade.
Together, they may be the best DT duo in the league, and both are unstoppable at stopping the run and even bringing heat to opposing linemen. They got a strong push against the Cowboys' OL in training camp and only further proved that this is the most dangerous run-stopping group in the NFL.
For more evidence of Jones fixing his run-stopping, Kenny Clark was ranked No. 19, and Otito Ogbonnia was ranked No. 88. Clark isn't going to be what he used to be, but he's still effective at opening up a gap to make immediate stops.
Williams has a unique motor and quickness to his game that has opposing offensive linemen looking lost, and a full season of watching him will bring the best football of his career.
As for Parsons, Cowboys fans will always miss him, but change was needed for the greater good. Obviously, that doesn't mean Parsons wasn't effective. He was one of the greatest defensive players the Cowboys ever produced. They needed to balance out their defense, and they did that by getting two first-rounders. The Cowboys now have a young stud in Caleb Downs and a front seven to be proud of.
It sounds like Parsons doesn't hold any grudge against the Cowboys, and he has maintained a solid relationship with ex-Cowboy Trevon Diggs and even Dak Prescott.
We'll always miss Micah, but it's time to look forward to a new era with the best run-stoppers this game has to offer.
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