The Green Bay Packer everyone is talking about is making sure everyone is talking about the rest of the defense, too, just like he said he would. Micah Parsons was relatively quiet in the stat sheet until he picked up his first sack in a Packers uniform in the fourth quarter, but his impact was apparent throughout the season opener against the Detroit Lions.
Green Bay’s defense held Detroit, which averaged 33 points per game last season, to just 13 points (thanks to a garbage-time touchdown) and 271 yards of offense while forcing a red-zone turnover.
It was an impressive showing by the entire defensive unit, especially with the glaring question marks in the defensive backfield ahead of the season. But as any elite edge rusher should, he helped make their jobs a lot easier.
Micah Parsons is already delivering on his promise to Packers defensive backs
Earlier this week, Parsons told reporters that it was his intention to be the tide that raises the ships for the secondary.
“I’m going to tell them this: I’ve never not had a Pro Bowl or All-Pro corner,” Parsons said. “So, that should mean something to them. I’m going to make them a lot of money.”
Parsons had notable names in Dallas, particularly Trevon Diggs, but after the impact he made on the Green Bay defense, he’s already proving his point. After all, it was his pressure on Jared Goff that led to the red-zone interception hauled in by Evan Williams in the first half.
Parsons played just 29 snaps for Green Bay’s defense, and while his stat sheet reads with just one sack and three pressures, his influence helped disrupt Goff’s rhythm in the passing game to fuel Green Bay’s victory. It’s a wonder what he’ll do for the defense once he’s at full strength.
Of course, Parsons’ impact permeated through the entire defensive front, too. Rashan Gary had 1.5 sacks, Devonte Wyatt had one, and Lukas Van Ness had half a sack. The presence of Parsons, the stunts defensive coordinator Jeff Hefley dialed up, and the collective efforts of the Packers defense, is something Green Bay is hoping to see each and every week.
Next up is the Washington Commanders, who allowed three sacks in their season opener against the New York Giants, who carry one of the most impressive defensive fronts in the NFL. Green Bay might be poised to outpace them, though, especially as Parsons gets closer to full strength.