The Detroit Lions found out the hard way in Week 1 that Micah Parsons is every bit as disruptive in Green Bay as he was in Dallas. Facing the two-time defending NFC North champs, the Packers unleashed their new star pass rusher, and the results weren’t pretty for Detroit.
In a 27-13 loss that looked worse on the field than the scoreboard suggested, quarterback Jared Goff was under constant pressure, and right tackle Penei Sewell had one of his toughest outings as a pro. Parsons got to Goff for a sack and added several pressures, all in just 29 snaps. For a Lions offensive line that has long been a point of pride, it was a humbling reminder of the challenge ahead.
Micah Parsons Detroit Lions Micah Parsons Penei Sewell rivalry
A New Rivalry for Parsons
Parsons, who was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Packers this offseason, admitted he’s been searching for a new personal measuring stick since leaving the NFC East. For years, his matchups with Eagles All-Pro Lane Johnson were must-watch TV. Now, Parsons says Sewell is the man he plans to test himself against twice a year.
“I’m not gonna be able to get rid of him,” Parsons said after the game. “He’s a hell of a player. I told him, I said, ‘You’re my new rivalry now. I don’t got Lane no more. It’s gonna be you. I’mma see you twice a year, so you might as well buckle up.’”
That’s a stern warning, and a sign that Sewell, despite struggling in this particular duel, has earned Parsons’ respect as a worthy adversary.
What It Means for the Lions
For Sewell and the Lions, the challenge now is figuring out how to respond. One rough game doesn’t define a season, but against a division rival, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Detroit’s offensive identity has long been rooted in physical dominance up front. If Sewell and the line can’t stabilize, it puts even more pressure on Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and the rest of the offense to compensate.
The Lions don’t have long to dwell on it either. Parsons has circled this matchup as a rivalry, meaning every time these two meet, the spotlight will only get brighter. For Sewell, it’s a chance to turn a shaky opener into motivation for the next battle.
The Bottom Line
Micah Parsons didn’t just make a statement on the field in Week 1, he made one off it too. By calling out Penei Sewell as his new rival, he set the stage for one of the NFC North’s most compelling matchups for years to come. If Sewell rises to the challenge, Lions-Packers games will feature one of the NFL’s best trench wars every time they clash.