Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians Reveals his True Feelings About Rookie Micah Parsons

The Dallas Cowboys OLB Micah Parsons is having one heck of a rookie year. And the fans are getting so fond of the 22-year-old that they have started comparing him to the legendary Lawrence Taylor. The rookie surely appreciates the hype that people have created about him, but he doesn’t want to be compared to an outstanding athlete. In fact, he aspires to be that outstanding athlete who is the measure of comparison to other players.

The same is believed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, who coached Parsons in Week 1, at least not this early in his career. Bruce believes that the rookie, though having a good rookie season, is still not worthy enough to be compared to one of the greatest in the league all-time.

“He’s started to have a heck of a career. But when you’re talking about the best defensive player in the history of this league, slow down a little bit,” Arians said on the Dan Patrick Show, via Andrew Perloff.

Also Read: Rams WR Van Jefferson Performs Unusual Gesture for his Dad After Beating Him in Week 14

Micah Parsons compared to Lawrence Taylor

Parsons has joined the league of Mark Anderson (2006), Dwight Freeney (2002), Julius Peppers (2002), and Terrell Suggs (2003) as the fifth rookie with at least 12 sacks and three forced fumbles since 2000.

At Caesars Sportsbook, Parsons dominates the Defensive Rookie of the Year race with -6000 favorite, with Surtain coming in second at +1000. Parsons is a +300 co-favorite for DPOY alongside Cleveland’s Myles Garrett. TJ Watt of Pittsburgh is just behind him at +400. It’ll be one of those three gentlemen who will claim the DPOY honor.

Parsons is almost certain to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and may even win Defensive Player of the Year. The two honors that only Taylor earned in the same season. If Parsons wins both honors, he’ll be compared to Taylor, but Arians feels that it’s a little early to assume things.

Also Read: ‘Home Team’: Netflix to Produce Movie Based on New Orleans Saints HC Sean Payton