Green Bay Packers cornerbacks performing better than expected thanks to Micah Parsons, pass rush

In Green Bay’s Week One win over the Detroit Lions, they generated one turnover: an interception by second-year safety Evan Williams.

That interception came as the result of Parsons pressuring Lions quarterback Jared Goff, one of three pressures he had on the day. While this one resulted in a turnover, the other two resulted in a completed pass for a loss of six yards and the three-time All-Pro’s first Packers sack.

Parsons had a similar effect on the Commanders offense on Thursday night. While the defense did not force any turnovers, the hurried throws due to the front seven’s pressure made life miserable for Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was sacked four times.

And Green Bay’s cornerbacks made sure that his passes did not find their mark. Keisean Nixon, who many felt was not good enough to be the Packers’ top coverage corner, had five passes broke up by himself. Carrington Valentine and Nate Hobbs, too, played extremely well.

Between the three of them, they allowed just one catch for seven yards all game.

In fact, each cornerback allowed a mere 39.6 passer rating when targeted. To give an idea of how good that is, that is what a quarterback’s passer rating would be if they spiked the ball into the ground all game long.

Before Week One, Parsons quipped that he was going to make the defensive backs a lot of money, giving them opportunities to succeed based on how he will affect quarterbacks.

He certainly is coming through on his promise thus far.