As Aaron Rodgers once said: “We’ve got a defense.”
Rodgers’ statement didn’t come true that season, but it feels different now. Micah Parsons’ arrival has changed everything for the Green Bay Packers, launching this team into the Super Bowl stratosphere.
After making a lightning start to life in Green Bay against the Detroit Lions, Parsons reached new heights on Thursday Night Football. Under the bright Lambeau lights, Parsons sent an ominous warning to the rest of the league. The Packers are for real.
The Washington Commanders had no answer for the Packers’ fierce new pass rush. Per PFF, Green Bay pressured Jayden Daniels 30 times, sacked him four times, and hit him five times, all while limiting Washington to just 51 rushing yards and 18 total points.
How about Parsons? Per PFF’s count, he finished the night with a team-high seven pressures, one sack, and one hit. The All-Pro made an impact just about every time he stepped on the field.
Packers make a Super Bowl statement with dominant victory over Commanders on TNF
The Packers welcomed two of the NFC’s elite teams to Lambeau Field in a five-day span and walked away with two convincing victories. The Detroit Lions won 15 games last season to take the top seed. Washington ended Detroit’s season and reached the doorstep of the Super Bowl.
Green Bay held two of the league’s scariest offenses to a combined 31 points, 425 passing yards, and 97 rushing yards. It’s early, but it’s a warning for every other contender in the conference.
Beyond the pass rush generating instant pressure on seemingly every play, even more impressive is the energy Jeff Hafley has this unit playing with. They swarm to the football, fight for the ball, and show relentless effort. A full year in the system is making a difference, and Parsons’ arrival has helped them reach an almost unfair level.
It’s only two games, but the Packers enter their mini-bye with two statement victories over NFC powerhouses.
This time, it might be real: “We’ve got a defense.”
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