With the season he’s having, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is a serious contender to become the first defender since the great Lawrence Taylor to win the NFL MVP award. But for New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick – LT’s former mentor – there’s no comparison.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Belichick was asked if he sees similarities between the playstyle of Parsons and that of LT. In his usual, blunt style, Belichick made it clear that the answer is “No.”
Belichick explained that the primary difference is that LT played outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense while Parsons does not even play in a 3-4 defense. He classified Parsons as a defensive end rather than a pass rushing outside linebacker.
“No, it’s a lot different defense than what we played in New York,” Belichick said. “Lawrence played outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. These guys don’t even have a 3-4 defense. Not saying they should, but that’s just totally different… Parsons is really a defensive end.”
Bill Belichick on Micah Parsons: I wouldn’t put anybody ahead of Lawrence Taylor, period. https://t.co/rTZI1fjwnp
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 27, 2023
Bill Belichick has made it clear many times that he considers Lawrence Taylor to be the greatest defensive player of all-time and has largely dismissed any arguments to the contrary.
Parsons will get his chance to show that he’s at least better than Belichick’s offense this coming weekend.