Dan Campbell isn’t buying the Micah Parsons hype ahead of Week 1
While some teams may fear the Packers just a little more after they added Parsons to their secondary, Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn’t worried.
In just four days, the Green Bay Packers will open their regular season, hosting the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 7. The Packers made waves by trading for Micah Parsons, instantly upgrading their pass rush with the four-time Pro Bowler.
Micah Parsons UP CLOSE on his first day of practice with the Packers 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/cDhxPFacjM
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) September 1, 2025
Parsons is no doubt a game-changer on any defense, but Lions coach Dan Campbell isn’t backing down.
Campbell reveals his plan ahead of Packers clash
Parsons is one of those players that opposing teams build specific plans around. He’s dangerous, and offenses hate to see him coming. Fresh off his fourth consecutive season with double-digit sacks (despite playing in just 13 games last season), Parsons is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league after the Dallas Cowboys traded him to the Packers.
Parsons joins an already loaded Packers pass rush that features Pro Bowler Rashan Gary alongside Devonte Wyatt, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox Jr., and Lukas Van Ness, giving Green Bay one of the most dangerous defensive fronts in the NFL.
While acknowledging Parsons’ talent, Campbell said the Lions’ top-tier offensive line will be ready, calling it the kind of challenge they embrace.
“I don’t know how much [the game plan will] change necessarily yet,” Campbell said. “I mean, we’re not even into third down, so we’ll get more into that in the next couple of days. But certainly, we’ll have our eyes on that. We know what kind of player he is. He’s a really good player. But we’ll have a plan.”
The Lions boast one of the NFL’s strongest offensive lines, anchored by standout tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. Though they’re adjusting to changes on the interior with new guards Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge, and Graham Glasgow shifting to center, the group still ranked among the league’s best heading into the season.
“Look, they’ve got a good roster,” Campbell said of Green Bay. “They’ve got good coaches over there - competitive every year. This division is tough, as we’ve said. But we wouldn’t want it any other way. This is why you do it. You love this stuff, man. The competition that’s involved in it, Game 1, out at Lambeau [Field], love Lambeau, division game - the whole deal. So, we’re going to be looking forward to it.”
With Green Bay’s defense bolstered and Detroit breaking in new pieces on the interior, this NFC North rivalry opener is shaping up as must-watch.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment