The Green Bay Packers have been one of the most hyped-up teams entering the 2025 NFL Season thanks to the Micah Parsons trade that shook the league in late August. On Sunday, the Packers justified the hype with a dominant win over the Detroit Lions, a division rival that also has Super Bowl expectations. Winning the game 27-13, the Packers delivered a strong message to the NFC North as well as the rest of the league. While there was some doubt about how much Parsons would play due to a back injury, Green Bay’s new star showed what he was capable even in limited action.
Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons speaks during an introductory press conference on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 28 to acquire Parsons in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first round picks.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Micah Parsons Makes Green Bay Packers Debut
Micah Parsons is beginning his fifth NFL season with a new team – the Green Bay Packers. His debut was highly anticipated by Packers fans as well as football fans across the league. However, with the momentous matchup with the rival Detroit Lions looming, a back injury threatened to dampen the hype of Parsons putting on his new #1 uniform for the first time.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) runs through a drill during practice on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Clarke Hinkle Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Parsons had been kept out of practice due to a back sprain, and there existed some doubt that he would even suit up on Sunday afternoon. However, reports soon emerged that indicated Parsons would play. From there, the question became – how much will Parsons be on the field?
The answer was, not that much – but it didn’t stop Parsons from making a massive impact.
Green Bay Packers defensive ends Micah Parsons (1) and Brenton Cox Jr. (57) run through a drill during practice on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Clarke Hinkle Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Micah Parsons Looks Dominant in Green Bay Packers Debut
While Parsons was not healthy enough to be fully deployed, he still played 29 snaps on defense and majorly contributed to a dominant display by Jeff Hafley’s unit.
The Packers defense largely neutered a Lions offense loaded with explosive weapons. Detroit was held to just 6 points until a garbage-time touchdown saw them increase their total to 13. Nonetheless, Green Bay held their divisional opponents to just 3.8 yards per play.
Although Parsons was on the field for 45% of the team’s defensive snaps, he still had several splash plays. Late in the first half, he forced a pressure that resulted in a hurried throw by Jared Goff. The pass was then picked off by Evan Williams.
Evan Williams flies in for the INT!
DETvsGB on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/53uObsVz3q
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
Earlier in the week, Parsons spoke about how his ability to pressure the QB will help the defensive backs make more plays. Clearly, he was absolutely right.
Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams (33) celebrates after forcing a fumble against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 34-13
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Furthermore, Parsons got his first sack in green and gold, chasing down Goff late in the game for his first QB takedown for his new squad.
Micah Parsons played 45% of the defensive snaps (29 of 65).
Parsons finished with 3 pressures, 2nd most on the Packers (Lucas Van Ness had 4).
Results of Parsons pressures:
•A 2-yard loss on a completion
•An interception
•A sack
Per ESPN research.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 7, 2025
If this is how well Parsons will be playing despite some health concerns, then Packers are quickly zooming towards one of the best defensive units in the league. After crushing what many consider one of the NFL’s top offenses, there are plenty of more good things to come from Parsons and the Packers.
Sep 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs with the ball against Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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