However, the new coach also clearly tap-danced around perhaps the biggest reason for Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo looking like it was 2019 again, the year Garoppolo helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to an NFC title: All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons wasn't on the field.

While the two-time first-team All-Pro has been extension-eligible since the end of the 2023 regular season, the Cowboys have strung along talks, pushing Parsons to request a trade on Aug. 1.

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