The Green Bay Packers' defense is off to a hot start with Micah Parsons. The truth is, it already was positioned to be strong without him. But with him, it has proved early it is the best in the NFL.
The Packers ranked No. 6 in both total defense (yards allowed) and scoring defense (points allowed) last season. They were No. 7 against the run and No. 13 against the pass. Green Bay also was tied for No. 8 in sacks and tied for No. 3 in interceptions.
All eyes and hype this season for the Packers' defense surrounds Parsons, the superstar pass rusher acquired right before the season from the Dallas Cowboys. Parsons is up to 1.5 sacks in two games, well on his way to another double-digit season. However, so far, his presence has been a much bigger asset than his production.
The Packers did say goodbye to a beloved defensive leader, Kenny Clark, to get Parsons. To that end, Parsons' prime age (26) is the most important number. Before Parsons, Green Bay had invested plenty personnel-wise (in the draft, free agency and coaching-wise) to work to put together a championship-caliber force.
Parsons added to a core youthful front seven that includes first-round picks Rashan Gary (27), Devonte Wyatt (27) and Quay Walker (25). The Packers also have two second-year players in the back seven, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (23) and safety Evan Williams (24).
It's clear now the Packers didn't get Parsons just for his pass rushing skills, but also to inspire and motivate the rest of the youngsters to push toward their talent ceiling. It's been a while since Green Bay has been so well-rounded on defense. Make that about 15 years ago, when Dom Capers was in charge, Charles Woodson was the ultimate playmaker and the Packers last won the Super Bowl.
Parsons got a cosmetic sack of Jared Goff in Week 1 when the outcome was no longer in doubt against the Lions. Parsons was credited with a half-sack of Jayden Daniels on Thursday night. He also was a menace to the Commanders' star offensive tackle (Laremy Tunsil) while his teammates often worked on the other, shaky rookie Josh Conerly Jr.
The hurries, hits and penalties forced don't show up in the traditional box score. Even without Parsons shy of full speed with a full complement of snaps, the Packers were able to deliver equal frustration to both Goff and the dynamic dual threat of Daniels.
The Lions were the highest-scoring offense in the NFL last season, averaging 33.2 points per game. The Packers held them to 13 in the opener. The Commanders were not far behind at No. 5, at 28.5 points per game. The Packers gave them only 18.
Green Bay had its two toughest tests back-to-back at home early, and it aced them, with Parsons having a little more than an extended cameo. With a mini-bye now before Week 3's walkover vs. the Cleveland Browns, they can make sure Parsons saves his best revving up for a Week 4 Sunday night game in his former home, Dallas.
Watching the Packers with Parsons either on the field or on the sidelines, they have been relentless in compressing the field with tough zone looks from Hafley. They are making the big plays without giving any up. Goff was done for in Week 1 when the Packers didn't budge vs. the run. Daniels was in a tough spot with his own rushing weapon neutralized.
The Packers had four players pitch in on four sacks vs. the Lions. Six players got credited for at least a half-sack vs. the Commanders. The Packers allowed 46 rushing yards to the Lions. Despite the Commanders having Daniels' legs, they were held to only 51.
Those numbers are indications of the completeness of the Packers' defense with their high draft capital coming together to pay off. They just needed one player starring while closer to their age to get them loose and light an extra fire under them. Parsons could go the whole rest of the season without a sack and Packers defense would still flex every week.
Parsons was an expensive luxury pickup but necessary if the Packers' established young nucleus was to break through. Even they might have underestimated his early intangible impact.