Green Bay Packers Forge a Defensive Identity in Record Time
For a team historically recognized for its quarterbacks and explosive offenses, the Green Bay Packers have forged a defensive identity in a surprisingly short time. It only took them two games to demonstrate their power. According to cornerback Keisean Nixon, the key to this change is clear.Parsons, without a doubt, has done his part. He pressured Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels on six occasions during 32 pass attempts. On those plays, Daniels completed only 1 of 3 passes for 9 yards, with two carries for 9 yards and a shared sack between Parsons and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. The Packers improved to 2-0, largely because, for the first time since 1995, they allowed fewer than 250 yards in each of their first two games of the season. Although Parsons isn’t ready to call the Packers the best defense in the NFL after two games, he believes this defense can take the Packers where they want to go. In addition, he sent a message to quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns.“Yes, we have Micah Parsons,” Nixon stated after the 27-18 victory over the Washington Commanders.
Keisean Nixon
Parsons and company didn’t just shut down weak offenses at the start of the season. They held the Lions, who led the NFL with 33.2 points per game last season, to just 13 points in Week 1. The Commanders ranked fifth with 28.5 points per game last season. The Packers held these two teams to a combined total of 31 points in five days. All of this with Parsons still limited in his playing time. He played 44 plays against the Commanders (67% of the defensive plays) after playing 29 (45%) in the first game. Two weeks after being traded from the Cowboys to the Packers, Parsons requested that the play limit be lifted.“J-Love, I think if you give us 20 points, we should be able to win that game. It’s about getting stops and getting the ball back to the offense. Defense wins championships. I think fans like points and seeing the big plays, but when you play great defense, it’s beautiful to watch,” Parsons said.
Micah Parsons
The Packers sacked Daniels four times and recorded 12 quarterback hits. “Micah’s arrival changed his whole personality,” Packers receiver Malik Heath said of the defense. “They’re going to get it. They’ve been running to the ball, but now, they’re on a whole different level. I feel like we have the best defense in the league right now… And I’ll go to war with every single one of them on that defensive side, especially the defensive line. That defensive line is going to set the tone, and everyone else will follow.” While Parsons has had a significant impact on the Packers’ defense, he has also been quick to recognize his new teammates, including Nixon. The cornerback deflected five passes, the most by any player in an NFL game since 2021. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Nixon was the closest defender in coverage and allowed one reception for 9 yards. It’s no surprise that coach Matt LaFleur praised Parsons, Nixon, and the rest of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s unit.“I just hope I’m a hundred percent. Honestly, it’s pissing me off. I tell them, ‘[Limited plays] do more harm than good, I get tense and stuff.’ Hopefully they let me loose. They can’t hold a dog forever,” he added.
Micah Parsons
“I think Haf has done a great job, I think our players are doing a great job feeding off each other, and it’s definitely exciting to see our defense come out and perform because they allow us to outplay someone.”“Relentless. Physical, aggressive, attacking. The style of play is exactly what we want from these guys, and it always starts with energy and effort. That will help you and can overcome some of the mistakes. I think our line is extremely disruptive, pursuing the quarterback. They also didn’t seem to run the ball very effectively,” LaFleur said.
Matt LaFleur
