Thursday Cheese Curds: Packers could use pass rush help with Parsons recovering

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 07: Micah Parsons #1 of the Green Bay Packers looks on against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Lambeau Field on December 07, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images We’ve seen life without Micah Parsons, and it’s not great. When Parsons was in the lineup for the Packers, their defense was respectable.

Good, even. Parsons’ quarterback stalking abilities put the Packers in at least the top third of defenses league-wide, and his ability to destroy any play at any time made them a threat in any situation. But when his ACL vaporized on the Denver turf, the defense cratered with him.

You don’t need me to recount the story, but let me let Rashan Gary do it for you: “watch how the front play. ” Badly, Rashan. They played badly.

So if you’re concerned about how the Packers’ defense will look coming into the 2026 season, with Parsons likely on the shelf to get things going, or throughout the year, with Parsons certainly at least somewhat diminished this year, you’re not coming from a place of ignorance. This is your actual experience. You’ve seen this story play out.