The Green Bay Packers came into Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions with several questions, but the biggest may have been their secondary. The Packers overhauled the group this offseason, releasing longtime No. 1 corner Jaire Alexander and hoping that Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, and Javon Bullard could keep opposing passing attacks grounded.
While the Packers had questions, they were pushed to the back burner when Green Bay made a blockbuster trade to acquire Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys. In the same way, Parsons made sure the Packers’ corners weren’t put back into the spotlight during a 27-13 victory over the Detroit Lions and could make good on his promise to get everyone paid this season.
Micah Parsons’s Dominance Left Packers' CBs Unchallenged in Week 1
Parsons came into the game with an uncertain workload, but it didn’t keep him from making an impact in Week 1. The three-time All-Pro selection swam past fellow All-Pro Penei Sewell on his first play as a Packer and found himself in the Lions' backfield consistently, even picking up his first Green Bay sack in the process.
When all was said and done, he finished with an 82.4 pass rush grade on Pro Football Focus.
That presence didn’t just help Parsons; Rashan Garry picked up 1.5 sacks, and Devonte Wyatt was able to take advantage of a rebuilt Lions offensive line with a sack of his own. With a total of four sacks, quarterback Jared Goff was under pressure all day and unable to throw the ball downfield, completing 31-of-39 passes for 225 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Parsons’ debut was a success on all levels. But most importantly, it may have covered up the Packers’ secondary. Goff’s 5.7 yards per attempt were way lower than the 8.6 yards he averaged last season, and the pressure numbers could be interesting to see tomorrow, as the Lions' QB was under duress the entire game.
Going up against wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, the Packers' secondary didn’t get dinged until Isaac TeSlaa’s one-handed touchdown grab with 55 seconds left in the game. The performance proves that Parsons wasn't lying when he challenged his teammates by noting he’s never played with an All-Pro cornerback early this week and could accomplish that goal if he keeps quarterbacks from throwing in their direction.