After they handled their business in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers hosted the Washington Commanders on “Thursday Night Football.” In front of another rowdy crowd in Lambeau Field, the Packers thoroughly beat up on Washington. Similarly to their game against Detroit, they almost completely suffocated anything Washington attempted to get going offensively. Unfortunately, this Packers defense looks like it could be one of the best units in all of football once the 2025 season is over with.
Up front, the addition of All-Pro edge defender Micah Parsons cannot be overstated. Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is already moving Parsons around the line depending on the down and distance. And on pass rushing downs, Parsons affords Green Bay the luxury of being able to rush only four or five, allowing more players to cover ground in the secondary. It seems like a simple concept, but it’s typically one all of the great defenses of the past have in common.
So after watching Green Bay dismantle another NFC contender that was also a playoff team in 2024, does that change your opinion of what happened with the Lions’ offense in Week 1?
My answer: Only slightly. I am of the belief that a lot of what we see early in the season are lies. With that said, it does look like the Packers defense is the real deal, even though I am still unsure about aspects of their secondary if the pass rush ever has an off day. Seeing them shut down a quarterback and offensive scheme like Jayden Daniels was impressive, and after how they slowed down the Lions a week ago, the rest of the league should be well aware of how they are playing defensively.
What about you? Did the result of the Commanders and Packers game change how you viewed the Lions’ performance in Week 1? Let us know in the comments below.
