The Green Bay Packers made a statement in Week 1 with a 27–13 win over the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. From the opening series, Green Bay looked in control and put an early stamp on the 2025 NFL season.
Jordan Love was sharp from start to finish, completing 16 of 22 passes for 188 yards and two scores. As impressive as the offense was, the spotlight inevitably fell on the defense—specifically on new addition Micah Parsons, who joined the team less than two weeks ago.
Micah Parsons's Debut Was Worth the Price of Admission in Packers' Week 1 Win
Parsons was the final player introduced out of the tunnel, and Lambeau Field erupted. Afterward, he admitted he got goosebumps from the ovation.
The Packers were cautious with their new star. Parsons hadn’t practiced with Dallas all summer while rehabbing a back injury and only participated on a limited basis in Green Bay leading up to the opener. With a quick turnaround looming before Thursday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders, managing his workload was critical.
Early on, the Packers seemed intent on using Parsons mostly in obvious passing situations. He played just one snap in the opening quarter and stayed on the sideline for most early downs. But as the game unfolded and Detroit continued to avoid long-yardage situations, Green Bay had little choice but to unleash him more often.
And when they did, he proved immediately why the team paid such a steep price to acquire him.
Parsons logged only 29 snaps—45 percent of the defensive total—but still managed three quarterback pressures, second only to Lukas Van Ness (four). More importantly, those pressures turned into game-changing moments.
Late in the second quarter, with the Lions threatening in the red zone, Parsons collapsed the pocket and forced Jared Goff into a rushed throw. The ball was low, and rookie safety Evan Williams made a diving interception. Instead of Detroit cutting into the lead before halftime, Green Bay preserved momentum and control.
In the fourth quarter, Parsons struck again, chasing down Goff for his first sack in green and gold.
It wasn’t just the stats—three pressures and a sack—but the timing and impact of his plays. Each one swung the game in Green Bay’s favor, showing exactly why the front office opened the vault for him.
The Packers know this is only the beginning. Parsons will continue to learn Jeff Hafley’s defense and shake off rust as the season progresses. As he grows more comfortable, his presence will only magnify.
For now, Packers fans can rest easy: their new superstar has already started to pay dividends. And if Week 1 was any indication, the best is yet to come.