Derek Carr is attempting to soften up Micah Parsons before big Week 2 matchup with Cowboys

Week 1 went far better than expected for the New Orleans Saints, especially the offense. They finished the game with 47 points, scoring on every drive Derek Carr was in the game, and the unit had tremendous balance, excelling on the ground and through the air. Most shockingly, though, the offensive line was elite in pass protection.

Some critics will be quick to point out New Orleans was playing against the Carolina Panthers, who don’t have a strong defensive line. There’s certainly some truth to that. That’s one of the reasons why the Week 2 game between the Saints and the Dallas Cowboys is so interesting. Not only do the Cowboys have a good defensive line, they have Micah Parsons.

On Wednesday, New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr made it clear he’s well aware of who he’ll be lining up against Sunday afternoon. When asked about Parsons, Carr had nothing but praise for the young defender, even comparing him to Von Miller. While that’s definitely genuine praise, Carr could also be trying to soften up Parsons before the game.

Derek Carr compares Micah Parsons to Von Miller ahead of Saints vs. Cowboys

Unfortunately for Derek Carr, compliments are unlikely to slow Micah Parsons down. Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning will be tasked with that challenge. The rookie left tackle, Fuaga, and veteran, who switched over to right tackle this offseason, Penning, looked great in Week 1, but now they must try and contain a prime Parsons, who has a ton of help.

Now in year four, Parsons has recorded at least 13 sacks in each of his first three seasons, including 14 last year. In Week 1 of this season, he recorded one sack and six pressures. The Cowboys as a team had six sacks, with DeMarcus Lawrence and Eric Kendricks each having two.

If the Saints want to put up points like they did in Week 1, this Dallas pass rush has to be slowed down. Fortunately, New Orleans seems to have a strong run game. If the run is established, that would help open up the passing attack, giving Derek Carr some time to find his playmakers.

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