Ed Werder credits Micah Parsons' past pass rush for Diggs and Bland paydays

Critics noted that defense still allowed 30 PPG in playoffs.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 57m2 min read

They got interceptions because of the consistent pressure they created on QBs. Micah Parsons and the pass rush made Digg Via @WerderEdNFL on X

What happened: Looking back at Micah Parsons' earlier defensive tenure, Ed Werder argued that consistent quarterback pressure drove the interceptions that secured major contracts for cornerbacks Diggs and Bland. The exchange followed pushback pointing out that the same unit surrendered 30 points per game in the playoffs and lost regular-season matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos.

Why it matters: Elite edge pressure changes coverage math by forcing early throws, which can inflate turnover totals for defensive backs before pass-rush departures expose the secondary. That roster dynamic still resonates in the 2026 regular season for Micah Parsons, whose back injury history Ed Werder previously detailed, as his former unit sits at 2-3 after allowing 419 yards and 24 points in Week 5.

By the numbers: Drafted 12th overall in the first round in 2021, Micah Parsons recorded 41 tackles and 12.5 sacks across 14 games in the 2025 season (per ESPN, as of Sept. 29, 2026). Placed on the Reserve/PUP list on Aug. 31, 2026, with at least a four-game absence, Parsons remains sidelined entering Week 6 while the Denver Broncos hold a 4-2 record in the 2026 standings.

What to watch: Watch weekly roster transactions to see when Micah Parsons is activated from the Reserve/PUP list during the 2026 regular season.

Sources

@WerderEdNFL 2026-10-18T16:48:43.790808+00:00

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