Dolphins’ Austin Jackson could be X Factor in Xmas Eve showdown vs. Cowboys’ Micah Parsons

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins are hoping to have their starting right tackle Austin Jackson back for Sunday’s game as the Dallas Cowboys and DE/LB Micah Parsons come to town.

Jackson will undoubtably have his hands full if he can go Sunday as Parsons, Dallas’ two-time All-Pro pass-rushing linebacker who lines up on both the left and right sides of the defense, might be the NFL’s best defensive player.

“This dude is different,” coach Mike McDaniel said in a press conference on Thursday.

Parsons, whose 12.5 sacks are tied for eighth in the league, usually lines up over the right tackle during games.

Jackson, who is listed as questionable due to an oblique injury that forced him to leave last Sunday’s game early, will likely be responsible to keep Parsons from getting to Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side and prevent him from destroying Miami’s gameplan.

McDaniel also ruled out starting guard Robert Hunt for Sunday’s game. Lester Cotton and Robert Jones are expected to once again fill the teams left and right guard positions.

If Jackson is ruled out, Miami could see Kendall Lamb start at right tackle.

Parsons is well on his way to being a first-team All-Pro selection for the third time in three NFL seasons and the Dolphins will have to be aware of him at all times.

Parsons says he will have to pick up his speed in Sunday’s game to try and prevent Cheetah from making big plays.

“Tyreek knows I am faster than him,” Parsons told reporters Thursday. “It’s not fun at all when you’re ready to go against someone like Tyreek Hill because I know I got to run faster than I ever have all year.”

A win against the Cowboys would be the first time Miami would defeat an opponent with a winning record this season.

Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. from Hard Rock Stadium. It should be a Merry one for those who are watching a possible Super Bowl preview.