Based on the early results this season, Micah Parsons doesn’t think the Green Bay Packers need to put up gaudy offensive numbers to have success.
Speaking to reporters after Thursday’s 27-18 win over the Washington Commanders, Parsons said Jordan Love and the offense only have to put up 20 points in a game for the Packers to hang around:
“What I’ve been telling everyone, defense wins championships. J-Love, I think you give us 20 points, we should be able to win that game It’s all about getting stops and getting the ball back to the offense. As y’all seen against Baltimore and Buffalo, you can have your quarterback damn near have a perfect game but still lose because, guess what, the defense gave up, what, 40 points? So, defense wins championships. I think the fans like points and they like to see the big plays, but when you play great defense, it’s just so beautiful to see.”
The early results are bearing out Parsons’ notion. The Packers are now 2-0 because they held Washington to 18 points four days after giving up 13 to the Detroit Lions.
Prior to the Packers’ acquisition of Parsons, there was some uncertainty about how to rank their defense. That unit was very good in 2024, ranking sixth in points allowed and seventh in DVOA.
Despite those numbers, they didn’t really have a difference-making player on that side of the ball. Rashan Gary, Devonte Wyatt and Edgerrin Cooper were good in 2024, but the best teams usually have that one go-to guy who can make a stop in a critical moment.
Parsons has had that reputation basically since the day he entered the NFL in 2021. His impact on the Packers’ defense has been felt with four quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks through two games.
Cooper, now in his second season, looks like he’s taking his game to another level next to Parsons.
When you pair their talent with the impressive coaching from defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley since he was hired in January 2024, the Packers suddenly look like an imposing force that can outscheme and outmuscle anyone they go up against.
Parsons and the Packers will attempt to keep their positive momentum going on the road when they take on the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on Sept. 21.
