Micah Parsons Apologizes for Mike McCarthy Comments as Cowboys Prepare for Commanders
FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons has apologized for his critical comments about head coach Mike McCarthy following Sunday’s disappointing 19-12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Parsons’ apology comes as the Cowboys prepare for their Week 18 matchup against the Washington Commanders, with the NFC East title and a potential playoff berth on the line.
Parsons’ Initial Comments and McCarthy’s Response
After the loss to the Buccaneers, Parsons expressed his frustration with McCarthy’s play-calling and decision-making. “We’ve got to get better at calling plays,” Parsons said. “I don’t know what the problem is, but we’ve got to get better at it.” McCarthy responded by saying that he understood Parsons’ frustration but that he would not be making any changes to his play-calling approach.
Parsons’ Apology and Explanation
On Tuesday, Parsons took to Twitter to apologize for his comments about McCarthy. “I want to apologize to Coach McCarthy and my teammates for my comments after the game,” Parsons wrote. “I was frustrated in the moment and said some things I shouldn’t have. I’m fully behind Coach McCarthy and the direction of this team. We have a lot of football left to play, and I’m committed to doing my part to help us win.” McCarthy said he accepted Parsons’ apology and that he appreciated his willingness to take ownership of his words.
Cowboys’ Focus on Commanders
With the Parsons-McCarthy controversy behind them, the Cowboys are now fully focused on their Week 18 matchup against the Commanders. The Cowboys need a win to clinch the NFC East title and secure a playoff berth. The Commanders, meanwhile, are also in contention for a playoff spot and need a win to keep their hopes alive.
Statistical Breakdown
The Cowboys enter the game with a 12-4 record, while the Commanders are 7-8. The Cowboys have the NFL’s top-ranked defense, allowing an average of only 16.4 points per game. The Commanders’ offense has been inconsistent this season, but they have a talented receiving corps led by Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. The Cowboys’ offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, will need to find a way to score against the Commanders’ tough defense.
Key Matchups
One key matchup to watch in the game will be the Cowboys’ pass rush against the Commanders’ offensive line. The Cowboys have one of the most talented pass rushes in the NFL, led by Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Trevon Diggs. The Commanders’ offensive line has been solid this season, but they will need to play their best game of the year to protect quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
Another key matchup to watch will be the Cowboys’ running game against the Commanders’ defense. The Cowboys have the NFL’s fourth-ranked rushing offense, led by Elliott. The Commanders’ defense has been solid against the run this season, but they will need to be at their best to stop Elliott and the Cowboys’ powerful running game.
Conclusion
The Cowboys-Commanders matchup is a must-win game for both teams. The Cowboys need a win to clinch the NFC East title and secure a playoff berth, while the Commanders need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The game is sure to be a close and competitive one, and it could come down to the wire.