Heading into the Green Bay Packers' season opener against the Detroit Lions, the big question was how the defense would look with new defensive lineman Micah Parsons playing on limited snaps.
Green Bay's 27-13 win answered that question quickly: it was a smashing success! Parsons alone gave Lions offensive linemen fits throughout the day, recording one sack and three QB pressures.
What was more evident than anything was how Parsons' impact trickled down to the other members of the Packers' defensive line.
Both Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness were expected to be big benefactors of the Parsons trade, as it makes it harder for opposing teams to double-team them. That was proven true, with Gary registering seven tackles and 1.5 sacks, along with Van Ness getting 0.5 sacks and four tackles.
However, the player who benefited the most from the Parsons effect was defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
Having parted with former starter Kenny Clark in the Parsons trade, the pressure for Wyatt to deliver big plays in his fourth year surged. He certainly lived up to those expectations early on with three tackles and one sack.
Packers' run defense can dominate again heading into Week 2
While the Packers' pass rush was the big highlight, the success of the run defense was arguably more impressive. According to NFL Pro, with Parsons on the field for seven run plays, the Lions rushed for a total of minus-2 yards.
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This was with Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way, who has gashed teams left and right in his first two years. Against Green Bay this past Sunday, Gibbs carried nine times for 19 yards and caught 10 passes for 31 yards.
To sum up everything, Parsons is really good at football and made the Packers tremendously better.
With all this said, part of Green Bay's success can be linked back to the Lions' interior offensive line losing Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler. Regardless, it should leave the Packers feeling good heading into their Week 2 bout with the Washington Commanders.
Especially when Washington gave up three sacks to the New York Giants, who also feature a strong group headlined by Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and rookie Abdul Carter.