Former offensive lineman Brian Baldinger offered high praise of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons over the weekend, saying the rising defensive star reminds him of Al “Bubba” Baker.
Baker was a star defensive end for the Detroit Lions in the late 1970s and early 1980s and arguably an even more dominant force than Parsons during each’s first two seasons in the league.
Per Stathead, both players entered the league at 22 years old. Baker played in 32 games during his first two seasons from 1978 to 1979 and had 39 sacks and two fumble recoveries. Parsons has played in 31 games and has 26 sacks. He makes up for the fewer sacks with six forced fumbles and a touchdown.
Baldinger’s highlight reel of Saturday’s action reveals the many ways Parsons influences the game. He pointed to one play in particular where Parsons performed a move he recalled Baker using to devastating effect back in the day.
Parsons worked against left tackle Jordan Mailata on the play and initially rushed with a jump step if he was going to Mailata’s outside shoulder. He then made a quick cut inside before changing directions once again, beating Mailata to the outside.
The move — like many of the ones he made on Saturday — left the Eagles offensive linemen in the dust.
Parsons responded to Baldinger’s tweet, telling the former pro not to reveal everything in his bag of tricks while suggesting it might not matter. Even if teams know what’s coming, it’s been nearly impossible to stop Parsons.
Dallas (11-4) is coming off a huge 40-34 win against Philadelphia (13-2) and is as strong of a Super Bowl contender as it’s been in years. Parsons is shaping the team’s future by digging into the past.
