It's the ultimate what-if. Would the Green Bay Packers have lost to the Chicago Bears in the playoffs if Micah Parsons had played?
Parsons helped the Packers beat the Bears in the first meeting, but they lost the two rematches without him. He believes it would've been different with him out there. But that's in the past. All the Packers can do is look forward to the upcoming season, and Parsons already has his mind on stopping Caleb Williams.
Williams came in at No. 51 in this year's NFL Top 100. In the video package, Parsons had some complimentary words about the Bears' quarterback, but he finished with a statement.
"Yeah, we're gonna have to correct some of those things this year because where there's ice, there's also fire, and I'm the fire," Parsons said.
Parsons is referring to Williams' "Ice Man" nickname, which became famous last season for his ability to stay ice-cool in high-pressure moments. Williams had a league-high six fourth-quarter comebacks, as the Packers are well aware.
Micah Parsons believes he is the fire to Caleb Williams' ice, but there's one problem
If one pass-rusher can catch Williams when he goes into full Aaron Rodgers mode by extending plays and avoiding sacks, it's Parsons. He has the speed and explosiveness to chase down any quarterback.
There's one problem, though. Parsons might not be on the field for the Packers' first game against the Bears in Week 5.
Parsons will almost certainly begin the season on the PUP list, meaning he'll have to sit out a minimum of four games. That sets up the possibility of him returning in time for Chicago's arrival at Lambeau Field on October 11. But don't build your hopes up.
The Packers and Parsons have made it clear they won't rush. It's far more likely that he won't return until Week 8 at the earliest.
Most importantly, though, by taking the patient approach, Parsons will be at 100 percent when he returns. Barring any setbacks or new injuries before then, he should be a full go well before Green Bay's trip to Soldier Field on Christmas Day. And he could hit his stride just in time for the playoffs.
Parsons would've undoubtedly given the Packers a better chance of holding off the Bears' late comeback in the playoffs, and they'll need him at his best to regain the NFC North title this season.
Parsons is right. If anyone can be the fire to the "Ice Man," it's him. He made sure to deliver that mic drop in a video celebrating Williams' success. It was perfect.
But in their next meeting, the Packers will likely need to get past their oldest rivals without their all-world pass-rusher.
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