Micah Parsons powers Packers past Lions in dominant debut 2 Sep 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) celebrates after their win against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Packers’ Matt LaFleur reveals big benefit of Micah Parsons’ dominance

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 11:06 AM ET

All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons was far from an every-snap defender in Sunday’s victory over the Detroit Lions, but his presence ignited the Packers’ defense.

Not only did Green Bay hold the high-flying Lions offense to just 13 points, and from scoring a red-zone touchdown until well after the 27-13 outcome had been decided, but Parsons’ presure forced a turnover and a couple of key incompletions on third downs that helped turn the tide.

Matt LaFleur pumped up about Micah Parsons’ impact on Packers’ defense

While Parsons didn’t record a sack until the fourth quarter, both Quay Walker and Rashan Gary seemed rejuvenated as three different Green Bay defensive linemen recorded a sack of Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

“That’s why he’s here, right?” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters, of Parsons’ ability to spark his teammates and elevate Green Bay’s defense.

Parsons’ pressures, and those generated by Green Bay’s other front-seven defenders are by design, for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

“All the attention going Micah’s way makes everyone else’s job on that defense so much easier,” Packers legend John Kuhn told me after the game. “The best offense in the NFL last year was 0-3 in the red zone and only managed 13 points. That says it all.”

Despite being a limited participant on Monday’s estimated practice injury report, Parsons looks to make an even bigger impact both in terms of his own production and the disruptiveness of the Packers’ defense, when Green Bay takes on Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders on Thursday night to kickoff Week 2.

Matt LaFleur on Micah Parsons: “He’s an aura farmer Sep 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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