The Green Bay Packers made a huge statement on Sunday, as they lived up to the hype entering the contest against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. In Micah Parsons’ first game with his new team, Green Bay demolished Jared Goff and the visiting two-time defending NFC North champions via a 27-13 score.
Parsons made an impact right away in his first game in Packers threads, and it goes beyond what his stats show in the box scores. His presence alone helped make life easier for his teammates.
During a package that features Parsons, Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness, Van Ness got a sack on Goff while playing on the defensive tackle spot. Parsons’ takeaway from Van Ness’ performance will have Green Bay fans feeling more encouraged about the 2025 outlook for the former Iowa Hawkeye star defensive end.
Micah Parsons believes the future is bright in 2025 for Van Ness
Green Bay Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness (90) celebrates after sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-13.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
“I think Van Ness is going to have his best year yet this year,” Parsons said of Van Ness after the win over the Lions, perRyan Wood of USA Today.
“I’m going to make sure of it. That guy is a very selfless player. He’s very selfless. He’s one of those guys that can go anywhere, he plays the run, he does everything. He’s the high-quality player that you just want to be around. So I’m going to make sure that guy gets as many plays as possible.
“I believe in him, and I told him, I said, ‘I think you can be like a Cameron Wade. You can be like a Julius Peppers. You’re a 4.5 guy, and it’s time for you to show it.’ And we’re going to put it together. We’re going to keep working out together, keep living, and I’m excited to see how that turns out for him.”
Green Bay has been waiting for a breakout season from their 2023 first-round pick, and this could be where he finally gets it. In 2023, Van Ness had four sacks in 17 games. In 2024, he had three sacks in 17 contests, while earning only a53.8 overall Pro Football Focus grade.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is sacked by Green Bay Packers defensive ends Lukas Van Ness (90) and Rashan Gary (52) during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
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