Eagles' Jordan Mailata Relieved Not to Face Micah Parsons After His Trade to Packers

PHILADELPHIA

For several seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles had to devise careful strategies to mitigate the impact of Micah Parsons while playing against the Dallas Cowboys. However, that concern has been lifted following Parsons’ recent trade to the Green Bay Packers, just a week before the season begins.

Parsons will not face the Eagles this Thursday night as he adjusts to his new team, a relief noted by Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata. “A sigh of relief,” Mailata chuckled, adding, “I say that as a joke, but at the same time, it’s just kind of crazy. Over the last few years, we’ve tailored our game plan around Micah because he’s a game-changer. It’s gratifying not having to strategize around him anymore.”

Parsons has consistently been a challenging opponent, having accumulated 5.0 sacks in seven matchups against the Eagles. His impact was also felt through significant pressure despite occasional games without registered sacks.

Dallas Goedert, Eagles tight end, shared how the team had to constantly monitor Parsons’ presence on the field, saying, “When Parsons is on the field, you are always conscious of where he is. Now that he’s not in the lineup, the Cowboys still have excellent players, and we need to prepare for what they’ll bring.”

The Adaptation to a New Defense

Although the Cowboys will no longer have Parsons on their defensive front, the Eagles will still confront a new defensive style under head coach Brian Schottenheimer and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Mailata expressed the need to treat the Cowboys’ revamped defense with respect, remarking, “Regardless of Parsons’ absence, they possess a strong D-line, and we have to navigate that accordingly.”

With the addition of Kenny Clark in the trade, Mailata acknowledged Clark’s long-term experience in the league and the potential challenge he could present to their offensive strategies. The Eagles will aim to utilize their familiarity with the Cowboys’ personnel while accommodating changes brought forth by the new coaching staff.

“It’s uncharted waters almost,” Mailata concluded. “We can only rely on their historical performance and adapt our game plan accordingly.”