Micah Parsons wastes no time proving insane potential on first play with Packers as Green Bay gets glimpse of future

The Packers started with Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness as their defensive ends, with Parsons on the bench as a way to limit his snaps. After the Packers were able to limit the Lions' production on the first two downs, Parsons entered the field—and the crowd at Lambeau Field went nuts.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was creative from the jump to utilize what the roster has. Lukas Van Ness moved inside to defensive tackle alongside Devonte Wyatt, with Parsons and Gary on the edges.

It's obviously pretty early, and Micah Parsons will have more time to show his worth on a down-to-down basis. But it's clear from the get go how much potential he has to take over games and change the complexion of the defense.

The Packers gave up two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to the Dallas Cowboys to acquire Parsons 10 days ago. He signed a four-year, $186 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

More early game notes

> Without Kenny Clark, traded to the Dallas Cowboys, Colby Wooden was the starting defensive tackle alongside Devonte Wyatt.

> Somewhat surprisingly, Javon Bullard started at safety in  base defense instead of Evan Williams. In nickel, Bullard goes to the slot, with Williams entering to play deep safety.

> Lukas Van Ness started his first football game since high school—he played most of the defensive snaps in his last year at Iowa, but was officially a backup because the school has a tradition to start senior players.