Parsons refusing to back down from Lawrence's sack challenge

Linebacker Micah Parsons is seeking to repeat as the Dallas Cowboys' leader in sacks this coming season, in what appears to be a friendly challenge with teammate DeMarcus Lawrence.

Lawrence recently said he aims to "become the sack leader again," according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. "I let a rookie show me up last year."

Parsons described Lawrence's comments as healthy for the locker room and said they fueled his competitive nature. However, the 23-year-old has no intention of relinquishing the top spot.

"Sorry to tell him, he's never getting that back," Parsons said. "I want him to get all the enjoyment that he possibly can ... so he can be a 10-sack guy, great. But if 10's the number, I'm going for 20. You've just got to go out there and compete. It's just going to be a race to the quarterback, like it or not."

Lawrence, a two-time Pro Bowler, tallied just three sacks in 2021 after being limited to seven games due to a foot injury. The former second-round pick led the team in sacks four times (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2020).

Parsons racked up a team-high 13 sacks during his rookie campaign. The Penn State product proved to be a versatile asset to the Cowboys' defense, lining up at multiple positions. He won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was also named a first-team All-Pro.

Dallas recorded 41 sacks last season, tied for 13th most in the NFL.

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