Despite all of the talk about the Cowboys offense being high-flying, it's their defense that has been carrying them. Part of that has been the ascension of linebacker Micah Parsons. Thursday night, Parsons joined exclusive company as the first player since James Harrison in 2010 to have 70 tackles and 10 sacks in his team's first 12 games.

Parsons picked up five more tackles and a sack in Thursday's 27-17 win over the New Orleans Saints.

What makes what he is doing that much more impressive is that he is a rookie. James Harrison was in his prime when he accomplished this feat. The player to do it before Harrison was Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith back in 1993.

It's been a quarter century since the Cowboys have won a Super Bowl. But many people feel this team could be different and it is because of what they bring on the defensive side of the ball. Parsons isn't the only one balling out this year.

Late in the 4th quarter and a 10 point lead, Saints quarterback Taysom Hill was picked off by Trevon Diggs. It was Diggs' 9th interception this season. That leads the NFL by two over New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson. Diggs and Parsons are in the conversation for defensive players of the year.

With the win Thursday night, Dallas improved to 8-4 on the season. They are 2.5 games clear of both Washington and Philadelphia in the NFC East, with three of their five games remaining against those teams. Clearly, the Cowboys have their sights set on a bigger prize though.