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Matthew Golden stands out as snap count takeaways reveal surprises in Packers' statement win over the Lions

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 12:16 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions 27-13, and somehow the score doesn't reflect what the game was—the Packers were even more dominant than the 14-point advantage makes it feel like.

It was an important moment to answer questions and evaluate what the roster is heading into the season. Wide receiver Matthew Golden and edge defender Micah Parsons made their first game in Green Bay, while we had the first showing of the defensive line without Kenny Clark.

Let's take a look at the snap counts of this first game of the regular season for the Packers, and how it can inform us about what the coaching staff plans for the rest of the year.

The snap counts from yesterday. Micah Parsons listed with 30 instead of 29 because the NFL also includes plays that were wiped out by penalties. pic.twitter.com/PSUGzAOnf6
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 8, 2025

Week 1 snap count notes

> There was a right guard rotation, with Sean Rhyan playing 69% of the snaps. Jordan Morgan played 42%, because he also had some snaps at left guard after Aaron Banks left the game late.

> After Zach Tom went down with a hip injury, Darian Kinnard played 15 snaps. However, second-round rookie Anthony Belton finished the game with three snaps.

> Wide receiver snaps: Romeo Doubs (34), Matthew Golden (23), Dontayvion Wicks (22), Jayden Reed (18), Malik Heath (11), Savion Williams (3). Reed is still getting back from a foot injury, but he still led the team in receptions. Golden was a real starter in his first NFL game, playing 48% of the snaps—more than Wicks and Reed.

> Chris Brooks is the RB2, with nine snaps against two from Emanuel Wilson. His ability to pass protect is a big part of the reason why.

> In base defense, Javon Bullard started at safety. Then, Evan Williams played. Both stay on the field in nickel, with Bullard in the slot.

> Officially, Micah Parsons played 30 defensive snaps (45%), behind Rashan Gary (70%) and Lukas Van Ness (54%).

> Devonte Wyatt (73%) was the dominant presence on the defensive line, while Colby Wooden (52%) and Karl Brooks (51%) split the secondary spot. Nazir Stackhouse (12%) was a situational piece, while Warren Brinson was a healthy scratch.

> Linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (18) and running back Chris Brooks (16) led the team in special teams snaps.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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