Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick has the fifth most sacks in the league with 12, but does he get the credit he deserves?
From a statistical standpoint, Reddick is comparable to Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons. When you look at the tale of the tape between the two pass rushers, it’s easy to see why.
Reddick has posted 39 total tackles, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries so far this season, per ESPN.
Parsons has recorded 59 tackles, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, per ESPN.
When you break down their stats over the last five games, Reddick has 16 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Meanwhile, Parsons has logged 16 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. They’re nearly identical in the stretch run of the season when playoff spots are on the line and stars are made.
Also, Reddick has logged three consecutive 10-sack seasons in a row. And just like Parsons, Reddick can stuff the run and play coverage if necessary.
Yet it seems Parsons is the one getting showered in praise and awards while Reddick has been criminally underrated for much of his career.
Parsons won Defensive Rookie of the Year last year after his breakout season. The Penn State alum also finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt and received his first Pro Bowl nod and First-Team All-Pro honors, per Pro Football Reference. Parsons has even received praise from NFL legend Lawrence Taylor, per Sports Illustrated.
Reddick hasn’t even made the Pro Bowl yet despite putting up worthy numbers in the past three campaigns.
One thing that separates Reddick from Parsons is the exposure their respective teams get. The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable team in the NFL at $6.5 billion, per Forbes. Parsons benefits from all the media coverage he gets while playing for the most valuable team in the NFL. The Cowboys, a storied franchise, are also tied with the San Francisco 49ers for the second most Super Bowl wins at five.
Regardless of the market that a player is suiting up for, their performance should still be given the credit it deserves. The numbers don’t lie. Reddick’s 2022 campaign sizes up with the likes of the finest linebackers in the league, including Parsons.
