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NFL offenses get a warning from Packers Pro Bowler about what it will mean to face him and Micah Parsons on the same defense

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 11:53 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers' defense was seventh in DVOA last year, an impressive jump in the first season of Jeff Hafley as the defensive coordinator. Projecting 2025, the question was if the unit had enough blue-chip talent, an evaluation that certainly changes after the Packers acquired edge rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys.

And fellow edge defender Rashan Gary is ready for this duo. Despite a "bittersweet" feeling after losing Kenny Clark as part of the deal, the Pro Bowler is excited to have Parsons on his opposite side of the defensive line to affect quarterbacks.

"You’ve got to understand the business of the league. Adding a player like that makes things easier for the rest of the team and makes us more dangerous," Gary said after Parsons' first practice with the Packers on Monday. "It’s bittersweet losing a leader, but we still have great leadership here. Dallas got a great player and leader, and we got one hell of a player. Hell of a player for a hell of a player. From what I saw in a couple reps today, it’s going to be real crazy and scary for teams."

Scary, by the way, is a word that Rashan Gary used several times to describe what the Packers' defensive front will look like.

"It’s scary with the pieces we have, the guys we have, and the mindsets we all share. Talking to him [on Monday], we’re similar in terms of mindset. It’s going to be scary for some teams," Gary added. "The sky’s the limit for him and for our defensive line group. Can’t wait to see him go."

Week 1 challenge

It's unclear how many snaps Micah Parsons will have on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, especially as he recovers from a back injury. But his presence, in addition to what the defensive end room has in Gary and Lukas Van Ness, is a significant part of the plan to pressure quarterback Jared Goff. Last year, Goff had too much time to throw in both games against the Packers, two wins for the Lions.

"First off, Jared Goff is a great quarterback," Gary mentioned. "If you let him sit back and make it seven-on-seven, he’ll make it a long 60 minutes for us. The game plan is to get him off his spot and make it uncomfortable for him, because when he has time, he’ll make you pay."

A first-round pick in 2019, Rashan Gary received a big payday himself two years ago, signing a four-year, $96 million extension with the Packers. Now, he's under contract through 2027. Last season, Gary made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his NFL career.

And now, with Parsons on the other side and with less attention from opposing offenses, he will have a big opportunity to generate more impressive numbers than he has.

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

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