Colts vs Bears: 5 Players to Watch on Saturday
By Evan Reller
Jan 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle David Parry (58) tackles Michigan State Spartans running back Jeremy Langford (33) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The rookie nose tackle had a very impressive NFL debut for the Colts. Parry had the highest grade of any defender on the roster (+4.3) and it has earned him some first team reps this week in practice. It is tough to evaluate defensive line positions in non-tackle camp work so this performance was very encouraging.
Parry finished the game with four tackles, three of which qualified as stops. While he excelled against the run, Parry also managed to get good pressure on the quarterback (recording a QB hit and pressure). His best play showed off his finesse as he knifed between the center and tackle, hitting Tim Tebow as he threw the ball, resulting in an incompletion.
Defensive tackle isn’t often a glory position, much of the job is about eating space and blockers so the next level players can plug the gap. Parry did a nice job of disrupting the blocking scheme last Sunday, either forcing a ball carrier to make an extra move in the backfield or causing the QB to move in the pocket.
We’ll be watching to see just how Parry performs against a higher level of competition.