Micah Parsons makes immediate impact in Green Bay Packers debut

There was a different feel about the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Quarterback Jordan Love looked every inch the MVP candidate, while the reshaped defence produced fireworks — led by Micah Parsons, who sacked Jared Goff in his first outing in green and gold. His presence electrified Lambeau Field from the moment he stepped onto the turf.

This was not the same side that lost a 34-31 thriller to Detroit last season, nor the one that fell short against Philadelphia in the play-offs. The key difference was Parsons.

"I just feel like his presence out there was different," Love said. "The energy he brought to the crowd when they announced his name and then to be able to get that sack was big-time."

Despite limited football conditioning after a back issue and a turbulent August standoff with the Dallas Cowboys, Parsons applied constant pressure and repeatedly disrupted Goff. His second pressure directly forced an interception for Evan Williams, while NFL Next Gen Stats clocked him at over 18mph on the sack.

Parsons admitted he was far from his best after a draining six months that culminated in his controversial trade from Dallas only a week before the season began.

"These last six months were super draining, super toxic for everyone," he reflected. "The fact that I was traded a week before the season was really outrageous and rough."

Still, the linebacker hinted he intends to exact revenge when he returns to Dallas in Week 4.

Head coach Matt LaFleur underscored his importance by ensuring the defence was introduced before kick-off — with Parsons, wearing his new No. 1 shirt, the final player announced.

"It looked like the speed of light or a shooting star just coming out of the sky and closing ground fast," LaFleur said afterwards. "I mean, that’s why he’s here, right?"

Parsons’ influence was also felt by his defensive colleagues. Rashan Gary registered 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits and seven tackles, while Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness were also prominent. Gary put it simply: “Just 1 being on the field.”

Although nursing a sore back and admitting he was exhausted by the end, Parsons insisted his best is yet to come:
"That’s the scary part. I know mentally I can be more dominant, I can turn things around and just create more havoc. With the limited play count that had an impact, but it’s going to come. I’m excited about that."

The Packers face the Washington Commanders in primetime on Thursday, when Parsons will again be the centre of attention.