It’s safe to say that Micah Parsons’ Week 7 performance against the Arizona Cardinals was exactly what the Green Bay Packers had in mind when they traded for him before the start of the season.
Parsons didn’t necessarily win the game by himself, but he dominated from start to finish, recording 10 pressures, four tackles for loss, a career-high three sacks, and five quarterback hits.
Following Parsons’ lead, Green Bay’s pass rush delivered its best performance of the season, sacking Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett six times, including a game-changing strip sack during the third quarter, courtesy of Rashan Gary.
It actually should have been seven, with a fourth sack going to Parsons if he hadn’t committed a hip drop penalty. Still, it was a career-night for Parsons, who not only changed the game, but has changed the entire complexion of the Packers’ defense since he arrived.
It should come as no surprise that this week we are taking a closer look at how Parsons was able to put up a career-best three sacks against Arizona.
Let’s dive into the film.
First sack
Making Parsons’ performance even more impressive was when the sacks occurred. It seemed like every time the defense desperately needed a stop, he stepped up to make a play. Even his first sack was extremely impactful, as it stopped Arizona’s seven-minute opening drive in its tracks.
It’s 3rd and goal, and Parsons (#1) is lined up as the seven-technique. Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. gets a good jump out of his stance to get in front of Parsons. They both engage with their hands, and if you watch closely, Parsons gives a subtle fake to the inside. This allows Parsons to then attack Johnson’s outside shoulder with a club-rip move and bends the corner to wrap up for a sack.
Instead of a touchdown, the Cardinals had to settle for a field goal, which had a massive impact on the outcome since Green Bay won 27-23.
Second sack
Brissett told reporters after the game that the offense was on a silent count the whole game, despite being at home, so credit to all of the Packers fans who showed up in Arizona.
On Parsons’ second sack, it’s 3rd and goal once again, except this time the stakes are higher because the game is tied and it’s the start of the fourth quarter. Now lined up across from right tackle Jonah Williams, Parsons gets a good jump with Brissett clapping to call for the snap. Williams gets his hands on Parsons, but his feet aren’t fast enough to keep up with Parsons’ quickness. Parsons disengages with relative ease and showcases his elite closing speed to take down Brissett.
Because the defense held the Cardinals to another field goal, the Packers were able to take a 27-23 lead later on.
Third sack
Unfortunately, the All-22 isn’t available for Parsons’ final sack, so we’ll have to rely on the TV angle instead. Still, it’s enough to showcase another game-changing play by Parsons.
There’s less than a minute left on Arizona’s potential game-winning drive, and they’ve reached Green Bay’s 26-yard line, so the defense could really use a negative play. That set the stage for Parsons to deliver again by blowing past Williams with his upfield burst and bend.
Brissett is sacked for a 9-yard loss, and the Cardinals’ offense never recovers.
Bonus Clip
Is Parsons as good a run defender as he is a pass rusher? No, but anyone who told you he can’t defend the run can be ignored. Parsons can be incredibly disruptive in the run game, especially when you try to block him with a tight end.
On this play, he was way too strong at the point of attack for Arizona’s Elijah Higgins, easily displacing and blowing up the run. This tackle for loss was also on the first drive of the game on first and goal, helping to set up Parsons’ first sack two plays later.
Conclusion
Use any superlative you want, Parsons has been a home run for Green Bay.
Sunday’s game against the Cardinals proved you can’t block him 1-on-1 and expect to get away with it. He completely wrecked the game through his ability to beat the man across from him, and is the main reason the Packers are 4-1-1 and 3-2-1.
Parsons is now at 5.5 sacks on the season and is third in the NFL with 37 pressures in six games. Green Bay’s defense still needs to find ways to create turnovers, but in Parsons, they have a true game-wrecker who can tilt the game in their favor at any moment.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers film room: How Micah Parsons took over in Arizona
Reporting by Brandon Carwile, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
