GREEN BAY — In case you’re wondering, Green Bay Packers fans, Super Bowl LX will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Too soon to be talking February? Absolutely. But no judgment from me if your mind went there during the Packers’ 27-13 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field.
It was that impressive of a start to the season for Matt LaFleur’s team. Here are some talking points from that win:
• It took until the fourth quarter for Micah Parsons to make a splash play, but that doesn’t mean the Packers’ splashy offseason acquisition didn’t make an impact long before that.
First off, Parsons has provided an emotional lift for this franchise. That’s hard to measure, of course, but it’s palpable.
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As for what Parsons can do on the field, his mere presence made this defense better in his debut. Parsons’ first sack with the Packers came in the fourth quarter, when he chased down Jared Goff for a 4-yard loss. Parsons almost got to Goff earlier in the game on a play that ended up with Packers safety Evan Williams picking off a pass intended for Lions star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Parsons unofficially played 23 snaps. The happiest guys on the field might have been the teammates who joined him on the defensive front in obvious passing situations: Rashan Gary (1½ sacks), Devonte Wyatt (1 sack) and Lukas Van Ness (0.5 sacks).
A quick word on the defense as a whole: There was some bend-but-don’t-break on display from that unit, especially over the middle portion of the game. But to hold Detroit without a touchdown until the Lions scored one in garbage time is an impressive feat.
• Jordan Love got a little sloppy in the second half, but he set the tone in this game with a strong start that helped the Packers build a 17-3 lead.
Love was 12 of 16 for 157 yards with two touchdowns in the opening half, a rating of 147.7. He spread the ball around to 10 receivers in that opening half and made some big throws on third down, completing passes to Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, Tucker Kraft and Jayden Reed on the opening two series.
This was exactly the start Love — and the Packers — needed.
• The biggest concern coming out of this game is the health of the offensive line.
Right tackle Zach Tom left the game in the second half with a hip injury, and left guard Aaron Banks didn’t finish the game because of an ankle injury.
The Packers have a quick turnaround before hosting the Washington Commanders on Thursday night. Winning that game could be a difficult task if Tom and/or Banks are sidelined.
Photos: Packers open season with home contest against Detroit
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed catches a 17-yard touchdown pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold defends during the first half Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs catches a long pass against the Detroit Lions Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, right, rushes during a play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft catches a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown makes a sideline catch against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs catches a pass against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons rushes during a play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive players pose after a Evan Williams (33) interception against the Detroit Lions during the first half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is brought down by Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, left, and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Morry Gash, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons rushes against Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Morry Gash, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary tackles Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, pulling him out of the end zone, during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers' Jayden Reed runs past Detroit Lions' Jacob Saylors during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs stiff arms Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs for a 3-yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons celebrates sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, rear, during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws against the Green Bay Packers during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Mike Roemer, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa catches a 13-yard touchdown pass as Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine defends during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay. Matt Ludtke, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, left, and his teammates celebrate his sack of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, not pictured, on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons celebrates his sack on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks runs against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur looks on from the sidelines on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell consoles quarterback Jared Goff on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs runs against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Green Bay. Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press
jpolzin@madison.com
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