Packers look like serious contenders with Micah Parsons 

But his impact went well beyond that when he was on the field.

The great thing about players like Parsons, and the thing that separates them from second-and third-tier players, is that they command attention. They demand that other teams focus on them and apply resources to stopping them. That opens up opportunities for everybody else on the defense.

We saw that sort of impact from Parsons on Sunday. 

Every time he was on the field, something good seemed to be happening for the Packers defense, even if he did not make the play that shows up on the stat sheet. His pass rush helped force an interception early in the first half, and the Lions were clearly aware of him on every snap.

That is a game-changing player and well worth the price (Kenny Clark and two future first-round picks) that the Packers paid to get him. 

Packers QB Jordan Love looked sensational

On the offensive side of the ball, the Packers' other big-money star — quarterback Jordan Love — also played like a Super Bowl-caliber player, completing 16-of-22 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions and zero sacks. Those are not big passing numbers, but the Packers were in so much control of this game that they simply did not need more from him. 

When they did call on him, he was precise and made big plays downfield.

The Packers were already a playoff team the past two years, but they were clearly lacking something to bring everything together.

Parsons and a healthy Love might be what they need. They have the youngest roster in the league, a very good quarterback and one of the best defensive players in football. They might not only be set for this season, they might be set up for long-term success as well.