NFL franchise Dallas Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy possess another rising star on their roster, linebacker Micah Parsons. The reigning Defensive Rookie of The Year will again prove to be an integral part of McCarthy’s plans in 2022. But it seems the message is clear within the franchise and with Parsons that they need to improve considerably next season.

The Cowboys’ HC was pulling out all the stops to keep the focus on winning as a team rather than individual accolades. McCarthy earmarks Parsons while praising him and calling on him to improve further to become an elite player. While talking with ESPN’s Todd Archer, he states, “Obviously Micah had a lot of great moments last year, but our desire—and it needs to be his desire—is for him to be an elite player, not just a great player.”

While the calls from McCarthy appear a bit harsh for fans within the Cowboys Nation, Parsons seems to resonate with his coach. The 22-year-old responds to his comments by stating, “My reaction to [McCarthy’s criticism] is that’s the expectation, so there’s nothing to get excited about. I want my coach to believe that I would take that type of jump. It’s going to take me focusing on my body and focusing on my mental.”

The Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons are closer to their team goals but need to get over the hump

While the franchise gave a promising vibe during their OTAs and practices, they seem dependent on young rookies stepping up in the upcoming season. The Cowboys seem to be sticking with the Parsons’ plan from a year ago and will hope to fill some vacant roster spots with quality players. One of the names for the Cowboys fans to keep an eye on will be rookie TE Jake Ferguson, who is showing promising signs.

Read More: Eagles Fan Brutally Destroyed Rivals Dallas Cowboys in One Sentence After Winning the Super Bowl Against Tom Brady in 2018

McCarthy and his coaches seem to have a lot of faith in his ability to be a receiving threat and great blocker. While the Cowboys are short on quality WRs on the roster, Ferguson will find himself in the middle of action more than he would have expected.

The expectations with the Cowboys fans will be of hitting the ground running from the word ‘go’.

The 2022 NFL campaign promises to enthrall fans again as the franchise hopes to end its Super Bowl drought this upcoming season. Parsons and QB Dak Prescott will again try to compete on the respective sides of the ball to keep themselves competitive deep in the NFL playoffs. The progression beyond the Wild Card and Divisional Round will be crucial for the Cowboys and their plans of winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Watch This Story: Aaron Rodgers, Snubbed in Favor of Tom Brady Last Year, Gets Nominated For Prestigious ESPYs 2022