When the Green Bay Packers traded for Micah Parsons, the star edge rusher likely immediately looked at the schedule to figure out when he would play the Dallas Cowboys. After a disappointing 40-40 tie, the entire defense took a big step back and Parsons failed to make a massive impact on the game. In fact, Dallas’ makeshift pass rush had a better evening than Parsons, with one former 6th-round pick being the pass rusher with the best performance on the night.
Micah Parsons Does Not Have His Best Outing in Dallas Return Game
Micah Parsons was likely dreaming of a dominant defensive performance in which he was able to sack quarterback Dak Prescott multiple times and demonstratively celebrate in front of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Instead, Parsons registered just 8 pressures, 1 sack in which Dallas last 0 yards, and no real other impact plays.
The Cowboys had a very intentional gameplan with Parsons, sending double teams and plenty of help for their offensive line in order to handle their former star. He had multiple chances to get close to downing Prescott, but was only able to on one occasion.
Micah Parsons in his return to Dallas
8 pressures
1 sack
34.5% pass rush win rate pic.twitter.com/IFqnGqbrlC— PFF (@PFF) September 29, 2025
Granted, the sack was a significant play in the game in which Prescott had a real shot at scampering into the end zone in overtime, but was instead brought down from behind by Parsons. It was one of the few bright moments for a Packers defense that was not up to snuff on the night.
Micah Parsons gets credited with the sack on Dak Prescott 🔥
Game saving play. pic.twitter.com/lCSF41rCOG
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 29, 2025
Dallas Pass Rusher James Houston Outshines Micah Parsons
As Dallas has had to cobble together their new-look defense in 2025, the pass rush has been a big question mark for the team. The team recently signed veteran journeyman Jadeveon Clowney to bolster the position group, which also includes veteran Dante Fowler Jr. and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku. However, it was another unheralded player who made the biggest impact off the edge for either team.
James Houston, a former 6th-round pick by the Detroit Lions, finished the game with multiple QB pressures, a 12-yard sack, and a key forced fumble on Packers QB Jordan Love. Houston was a menace throughout the evening and was a huge positive for a Dallas defense that still surrendered 40 points.
James Houston : 2 tackles, sack, forced fumble & a fumble recovery pic.twitter.com/PRnqPqAsxG
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) September 29, 2025
Announcer Cris Collinsworth had a simple point to make about Houston late in the game:
“I think they’re gonna end up having to play James Houston a lot more. He is impacting the big moments of the game.”
Who needs Micah Parsons when you got James Houston 😤😤😤
— BET99 Sportsbook (@BET99Sportsbook) September 29, 2025
No one would argue that Houston is a better player than Parsons, but he did have more positive moments during Sunday’s game. While Houston was a notable bright spot on a beleaguered and lowly regarded Cowboys unit, Parsons failed to deliver a superstar performance as a strong Packers defense put up their worst performance of the season so far.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
