Managing Without Micah
The start of the Parsons era in Green Bay was equal parts tantalizing and tragedy, surely the best is yet to come.
By Mark Ballard
“Holy shit. Packers.” That text, from my fantasy football group chat on August 28, 2025 elicited an involuntary “OH MY GOD” yelp that startled my girlfriend. My immediate next move was to run out the back door and leap into the pool. With all my clothes on. Pure joy.
The draft-and-develop Packers, who seemed to never catch the big fish, had finally caught the big one – arguably the biggest one – in Dallas’ game-wrecking edge rusher, Micah Parsons. The Packers hadn’t reeled in a player of this caliber since Charles Woodson in 2006, or Reggie White in 1993. However, both Woodson and White had already played eight full seasons in the NFL by the time they landed in Green Bay. Parsons came to Wisconsin after just four seasons. This was an absolute superstar – in his absolute prime.
That the acquisition happened so close to the start of the season gave the fans, team, and organization little time to process what had actually just happened.
Yet out of the tunnel he came in week 1 – and to a deafening Lambeau Field roar. Though on a snap count to start the season, Parsons still got his first sack – a takedown of the Lions’ Jared Goff that was reminiscent of those Planet Earth documentaries when the Great Tiger tracks and then mauls its unsuspecting prey. The high-powered Lions offense, which would finish the season as the NFL’s 5th highest scoring unit, managed just 13 points in that loss.
The next week featured another game at Lambeau, this time vs Jayden Daniels’ Commanders, a team that had been in the NFC Championship game the year prior. They were also quickly dismantled by the Packers, scoring just 18 points, and with Parsons notching another half sack. The dominating start quickly had the football world talking “Super Bowl”.
Fast forward to week 15, the Packers had a 9-3-1 record (in their three losses, the Parsons-led defense delivered winning efforts holding the Browns, Panthers, and Eagles to 13, 16, and 10 points, respectively). At that point, only three teams in the NFL had a better record. One of those teams – the team with the league’s best record, the 11-2 Broncos, were the Packers week 15 opponent, and the Packers had them on the ropes, 23-14, before the season essentially imploded with devastating injuries to Christian Watson, and then Parsons.
Oh, to imagine what could have been…
Still, in his abbreviated first season with the Packers, Parsons generated 79 total pressures (14 sacks, 51 hurries, and 14 quarterback hits). He finished the year ranked 2nd in PFF's pass-rush grade (92.9) among all qualified edge defenders. His electric, 11-pressure game against the Arizona Cardinals set a Packers franchise record for pressures in a single game (Next Gen Stats started tracking the metric in 2016).
In short, Parsons, even in limited action, was otherworldly, everything the Packers had hoped for. But the way the season ended, with the soul-crushing playoff collapse to Chicago, it was entirely reasonable that most Packers fans were too broken for silver-linings and pep talks about the future.
It adds to the frustration that Parsons’ injury will linger into this new season. He’ll start the year on the PUP list, and won’t be eligible to return until after week 4. Even then, it seems likely the Packers will hold Parsons back longer, ensuring he’s at full strength, and limiting, as best they can, any risk of re-injury. It’s unquestionably the right thing to do, but it presents a big challenge.
A lot will be asked of first round pick Lukas Van Ness who, to date, has underwhelmed in the eyes of most. Van Ness will lead an inexperienced group that includes Brenton Cox Jr and Arron Mosby, second-year players Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, and rookies Dani Dennis-Sutton and Nyjalik Kelly (should he make the team). Perhaps Parsons’ absence will provide a trial-by-fire crash course for this young group, and maybe new DC Jonathan Gannon can cultivate some creative fixes and disguises while he’s out.
It’s also possible that the Packers add to the position. Jadeveon Clowney, Von Miller, and a few other options remain unsigned, but who knows how much those veterans would move the needle.
If there’s another possible weakness to the Packers’ defense beyond the pass rush, it’s the secondary. Together, that’s a tough combination: a quarterback with time to throw and a secondary that struggles to cover. It’s likely that Jordan Love and the Packers offense will need to pick up the slack in Parsons’ absence. Thankfully, they have the personnel to do that.
Across the first ten weeks of this next season, the Packers will face just three playoff teams from last year. Then, after a week 11 bye, the Packers’ schedule gets much tougher, facing four playoff teams across a seven game closing stretch.
Whatever happens, Parsons will return at some point, and when he does, this season – and perhaps the entire trajectory of the franchise – will hit another gear. Maybe that sounds like over-cooked hyperbole to some, but I don’t think so. Special players do special things. Remember that Woodson and White both guided the Packers to Super Bowl glory – and they both did so with young/emerging quarterbacks.
So maybe it’s coincidence, maybe it’s by design, or maybe it’s a bit of both. Whatever it is, a familiar script could be repeating itself once again in Titletown, USA.
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Mark Ballard is an obsessive Green Bay Packers fan, born in Buffalo Bills country, but raised right by a Mom from Rice Lake, WI. You can find him on X at @ballark
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Comments (25)
Since'61
July 23, 2026 at 11:30 am
The Packers need to find a way ti win without Parsons. The timing of his return is critical to the results for the Packers 2026 season. Whether there is an impact on playoff seeding and/or whether they reach the playoffs at all. If Parsons misses 6-8 weeks the season could be jeopardy by the time of his return. The offense needs to carry the team without Parsons and the defense needs to make stops and get off the field without him. While Parsons is still out it will be a challenge for Gannon's new defensive approach. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
July 23, 2026 at 11:49 am
You can’t have a one person rush and hope to succeed. There has to be production from elsewhere. Some of that may be the IDL, but that doesn’t excuse a lack of contribution from the OLBs. That is true before his return obviously, but still holds true after his return. Teams simply can’t put out hard working non threats against most opponents and expect not to be shredded.
Since'61
July 23, 2026 at 02:04 pm
Coldworld I agree. It's critical for the Packers defense to be able to make stops and get off the field without Parsons especially since we don't know much of the season he will miss. If the Packers get pressure nd sacks while Parsons is out it will make him and the other Edge players that much more effective when he returns.
As I said in my post we'll find out pretty quickly how effective Gannon's defense will be without Parsons. For better or worse it will be a major factor in the Packers 2026 results. Thanks, Since '61
TarynsEyes
July 23, 2026 at 03:49 pm
"The Packers need to find a way to win without Parsons."
Love is supposed to be that guy, the one who can carry a team when another player is lost. The record with Parsons last year and after speaks a lot of Love's inability to do what we expect and what he got paid to supply. It was made clear that Love isn't the QB many think. He's a good above-average QB that ranks among the others of the same quality, 11-17. It's not a diss; it's a truth. Can/will it be deemed elsewise if another season is replicated, with losses blamed on a missing player or STs?
SicSemperTyrannis
July 23, 2026 at 10:05 pm
Imagine if JL10 ever had time in the pocket.
Coldworld
July 24, 2026 at 09:15 am
That would be great (as would RBs not being contacted behind the line), but we’d still have to get him the ball. We need both that and a D that can stop drives.
golfpacker61
July 23, 2026 at 11:34 am
LVN has shown nothing to think this will finally be the year he breaks out. I am not sure what Parsons sees that none of us do after 3 years. I actually think Cox has more pass rushing talent and DDS is right behind him. For the life of me, I fail to see why GB hasn't taken advantage of Clowney still being available. Waiting to jump on him is like playing Russian Roulette. Someone will sign him and get another solid pass rushing season for $5 million. In todays Edge rusher financial world, that is a ludicrously low amount for security and insurance.
Depending/relying/hoping that 1 or 2 of these younger guys can have great seasons is playing with fire. Our season could go up in flames if we start the year 2-2 or 1-3. Sign the veteran Clowney for cheap and field a productive pass rush until Parsons gets back. That would take the pressure off 5 guys who have accomplished zero so far in their young careers. Several of these guys could turn out to be good players, but we shouldn't chance throwing the season away to find out who could be.
Oppy
July 23, 2026 at 07:38 pm
Clowney probably isnt passing physicals.
Coldworld
July 24, 2026 at 09:10 am
Clowney is known for not signing till late in the summer and seeing if his value rises. He may just be holding out for a team to get desperate and overpay believing that if not he will get another contract from someone. In the meantime he avoids the summer grind. At his career point, that’s probably not been a negative for his season potential for some years.
golfpacker61
July 24, 2026 at 10:59 am
That would be common knowledge if it were true. That news came out right away on Epenesa with the Browns. I still wish we had taken the cheap flyer the Eagles gave him as he was better than anyone on GBs team not named Parsons.
Clowney is holding out for more money. He is only projected to get $5 million which is absurdly low for 8.5 sacks in todays Edge market. If GB signed him for that it would be Top 5 steal of the year. Why are we waiting? Expecting LVN to "make a jump" is starting to be the textbook definition of insanity, and we gave him a $14 million bonus for being below average. That's also insane.
GreenandBold
July 23, 2026 at 03:35 pm
For some reason I am more confidant that Gannon will keep opponents guessing and the defense will hold up until Parsons comes storming back . It’s the Packers offensive line I’m more worried about .
Lphill
July 24, 2026 at 07:00 am
Hafley was unable to compensate when we lost Parsons , he failed to scheme any pressure , lets not forget no Wyatt in the middle either, I think Gannon since he will be starting out without Parsons will be more productive and creative , when Parsons returns he will be a bonus addition.
Turophile
July 24, 2026 at 06:42 am
Don't forget that Edgerrin Cooper can also be schemed to add some blitzes in those first few weeks.
I'm expecting a lot from Van Ness (based on how he was progressing in the latter part of last season before his injury). I expect a jump in snaps for Sorrell who (I hope) should provide a spark in his second year......... and I want more from Cox, too. I'm not expecting much from DDS in his rookie year, or Oliver, who has been injured enough we have no idea what he could bring, but you never know until the guys are out there.
The Packers should also get more from the DTs this year, with Hargrave, Wyatt and (I'm guessing) McClellan at NT, if he can handle it as a rookie.
If Gannon is going to be the DC we hope he is, it could show his chops early, if the pass rush is at least reasonable, before Parsons returns.
Lots of question marks, but also, we have seen things that are encouraging too.
golfpacker61
July 24, 2026 at 11:03 am
While blitzing 2nd or 3rd level defensive players can produce pressure and sacks, it also weakens those areas. Can our CBs hold up if Gannon sends Cooper? Our weakness @ CB compounds the pressure on other areas. GB waited too long to start rebuilding the position group.
Coldworld
July 24, 2026 at 11:21 am
With the eagles Gannon would move players between Zion and ILB. At times this was disguise, but at other times the ILB would end up rushing. It’s possible he has ideas to use Cooper on that way at times. Particularly if the OLB group’s production underwhelming, I could see Hopper at Will and Cooper outside, for example.
stockholder
July 24, 2026 at 06:58 am
IMO- Parsons injury exposed the rest of the roster.
The fact they couldn't win without him.
Speaks of being overrated.
Turophile
July 24, 2026 at 07:33 am
So, injuries to Tucker Kraft, Malik Willis (who was standing in for Love), Zach Tom (the best OL), Christian Watson (most dangerous receiver) Jordan Reed (most reliable receiver), Evan Williams (ascending Safety), Devonte Wyatt (key run stopper), never contributed ? It was all about Parsons............ What a terrible take. It was losing too many key players that cost the Packers last year, in the end it was too many to overcome. Would Parsons have changed what happened when the Packers played against the Ravens run game - not so much as losing Wyatt, for example.
And don't bother with coming back with the oh-so-tired mantra of next man in has to step up, because starters are starters for a reason, they are better than the backups. That counts doubly when you lose several of the better players on the team. It was not the NUMBER of injuries that killed the 2025 season, that was only a little above average, it was WHO was injured.
Don't suck at your information through a narrow straw, Open up to a wider view that takes other things into account.
stockholder
July 24, 2026 at 11:09 am
Green Bay is a machine.
It's about maintaining high standards despite injuries.
Not an excuse for under performance.
You want the accountability Lowered.
Sure I’m suggesting," poor roster construction."
With the "shielding of poor depth."
Being competitive; instead of being sympathetic.
Point: This team was helpless when Parsons went down.
At some point the rest of the team plays.
Players must do their job.
The prioritizing the drive to win.
Starts with Gute.
Turophile
July 24, 2026 at 05:58 pm
Ah. The tired mantra I told you not to bother with - - and you went there anyway. You are like an old-style long-play record, you only have one groove. Turn it over, there's another groove on the other side.
golfpacker61
July 24, 2026 at 11:12 am
I couldn't have said it any better. Stockholder always has off the wall opinions, but it was WHO was injured and the crazy numbers of how many last year. Losing your best playmakers has a profound impact on the other position groups around them. Look how our average to below average CBs were impacted by no pass rush. Or how we rolled the dice on Banks being an OL plus impact acquisition. Him being hurt most of the year impacted Walkers and Rhyans effectiveness @ LT & C. Throw in Z Toms loss and its no wonder our RBs were getting hit 2 yards behind the line.
Hopefully that is the worst injury year we have for the next 10 years. Increase the 53 man to 63 man and raise the cap more to pay them. Seasons are derailed mainly by injuries.
Lphill
July 24, 2026 at 01:16 pm
no it speaks of a defensive coordinator that could not scheme without him.
LambeauPlain
July 24, 2026 at 07:54 am
"Remember that Woodson and White both guided the Packers to Super Bowl glory – and they both did so with young/emerging quarterbacks."
That's true.
Also remember Rodgers had Clifton, Colledge, Wells, Sitton (all started 16 games) and Bulaga (12 starts) in front of him. Lots of cohesion, talent and synergies with that group.
Favre had Rookie Michaels (9 starts), Taylor, Winters, Timmerman (all 16 starts) and Dotson (15). Solid unit...again no Hall of Famers but 5 guys who played with as the sum far greater than the parts.
Love has Morgan (12 - 2025 starts at 3 positions), Banks (14 starts), Rhyan (11 at two positions), Belton (7), Tom (12). What Farvre and Rodgers had that Love (so far does not) was an experienced OL that played and practiced together. OL coaches then did not play musical chairs and move guys around to positions they rarely played or practiced at. And the OLs then were not a constant Mash Unit. Last season the OL never practiced together and most starters during weekly practices were DNP or Limited.
This looks to be a talented OL group on paper. The OL coaches are not...on paper, in practice on, or on game days. The NFL views the Packers OL as one of the least likely to impress in 2026...viewing them around the bottom of the league. Hope they are wrong or this will be another long, frustrating season.
HarryHodag
July 24, 2026 at 11:04 am
One man won't win or lose a season. However, one man can be the difference.
It is no coincidence the team lost many games after he was injured. That's why I'm anticipating the marginal fans to be losing their minds when the Packers go 2-2 to start the season. The Packers very well could be a Super Bowl contender or an also-ran. Parsons will make that difference. But injuries will have much to say once again as much as Parsons.
I look for some of the younger players already on the roster to make the difference while Parsons is out.
CanPackFan
July 24, 2026 at 05:25 pm
It's no mystery to even the most blindly loyal fans- we must survive until Parsons returns. Do any of the current roster substitutes even look close to filling those shoes at DL? I say, realistically, no. LVN is still a developmental project that may never develop beyond what he is now. The others - rookies and bench warmers.
And our defensive backfield? Yikes. Without a pass rush, things will quickly become exposed.
And a new DC who is a Fangio disciple? A slightly smarter Joe Barry? Scary...
Gutes must get off his arse Pronto!!!
pantz_bURp
July 24, 2026 at 08:02 pm
"The Packers need to find a way to win without Parsons."
AND
The Packers need to find a way to win with Coach LaF.
XXXOOOs,
the Burpster has spoken