NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants

Cowboys

Cowboys LB Micah Parsons is being used as a designated pass rusher in practice and feels capable of “creating disruption.” 

“Just creating havoc, creating disruption,” Parsons said, via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. “Being able to create that excitement, momentum change, a chance to get the ball out and get it back to our explosive offense. That’s kind of what I like about pass rushing.”

Parsons said he’s receiving pointers from Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence and is “getting closer” with the veteran defensive end. 

“Last week we were watching film of pass rush and D-Law came up to me and was like, ‘You pass rush like that, Rook?’’’ Parsons said. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I used to be a defensive end.’ He was like, ‘All right, tap in with me.’ Me and him have been getting closer. If he’s out there, he’ll help me out and we’ll talk a little bit. Coming up here after OTAs are over, we’re going to work together before camp starts.”

Parsons added that this offseason has been “pretty hectic” given he’s learning multiple positions in the Cowboys’ defense. 

“Honestly, the last two weeks have been a big transition phase for me,” Parsons said. “Obviously learning more checks, being more vocal, playing a new position, actually playing multiple positions. It has been pretty hectic for me, but I think each and every day I’m picking up something and just going out there making early mistakes. That way I’m creating a base and a ground, getting ready for camp.”

Eagles

• Per the Athletic’s Zach Berman, Eagles TE coach Jason Michael has been in contact with TE Zach Ertz even though the veteran isn’t expected to play in Philadelphia this season: “I just want to make sure the lines of communication are open. I have great respect for him. … I look forward to an opportunity to work with him, hopefully as it goes forward. Just want to make sure there’s communication there. In terms of that, it’s been positive.”
• Eagles LB coach Nick Rallis is the NFL’s youngest position coach currently at 27: “This came about from being lucky to being around the right people — and really good people. The people I was around … they really took the time to (help) not only do my job as a quality control coach but truly learn to be a good coach … and the ‘why’ behind everything. (I was) fortunate to be around those guys and tried to soak it in.”
• Eagles’ Jeff Stoutland said of the upcoming camp battle between Andre Dillard and Jordan Mailata: “Whoever does the best, whoever has the most value, will be the starter.”
• Stoutland added that he plans to give his input on who should start, but the final decision will be the head coach’s. (Jimmy Kempski)
• Stoutland also singled out OL Jack Driscoll and Nate Herbig as players who have impressed him. Both were pressed into starting action due to injuries last season. (Berman)

Giants

Giants’ HC Joe Judge said they are taking the rehab of RB Saquon Barkley seriously, adding that he won’t take the field until he is truly ready to play.

“We are going to make sure that we take Saquon’s rehab at the correct rate for his individual body and injury,” Judge said, via Tom Rock of Newsday. “We have to make sure that we let him get it at his pace and when we put him on the field he can play 100% aggressive and confident and he’s going to play safe and he can play effectively.”

Barkley has been participating in the Giants’ offseason programs but his number one concern has been the rehab of his knee.

“He comes in every day, he attacks every day from a rehab standpoint,” Judge said. “He’s had a phenomenal attitude and great motivation, he’s been tremendously positive . . . Couldn’t be happier with how he is working, showing tremendous leadership this offseason. He’s champing at the bit to get back on the field. We are taking it day-by-day and he’s getting better every day.”