Early returns suggest the
Parsons-Clark trade won't hamper the Packers' run defense
[September 09, 2025]
By STEVE MEGARGEE
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Colby Wooden had heard the speculation that
the Packers’ run defense might struggle without Kenny Clark, who was
traded in the deal that brought star pass rusher Micah Parsons to
Green Bay.
All that talk even got back to the Packers defensive tackle’s
father.
“My dad called me on Thursday,” Wooden said. “(He said): ‘Do me a
favor. Shut them up.’"
Wooden and his teammates did just that.
The Packers limited Detroit to 46 yards rushing on 22 carries in
their season-opening 27-13 victory over the Lions on Sunday. David
Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who teamed up to run for 2,187 yards
and 28 touchdowns last season, were limited to 44 yards on 20
carries.
Montgomery had rushed for at least 121 yards in two of his last
three visits to Lambeau Field and had 96 yards from scrimmage in the
Lions’ victory at Green Bay last season. He ran for 25 yards on 11
carries and caught four passes for 18 yards Sunday.
Gibbs, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, had nine carries for 19 yards
and 10 catches for 31 yards.
“I just did my job, went out there and stopped the run,” said
Wooden, who had a career-high six tackles as his playing time
increased in Clark’s absence. “I took it personal, honestly. I felt
like it was kind of disrespectful like, ‘Well, they’re going to run
the ball.’ I made it my mission, excuse me, we made it our mission
to stop the run.”
Green Bay benefited from the fact the Lions were breaking in three
new starters on the offensive line and playing their first game with
new coordinator John Morton, who took over after Ben Johnson left to
take the Chicago Bears' head coaching position.
Even so, this represented quite the opening statement for Green
Bay's defense. The Lions had scored an NFL-leading 33.2 points per
game last season.
That defense won’t have much time to get ready for its next test.
The Packers are back in Lambeau Field on Thursday night to face the
Washington Commanders, who rushed for 220 yards on 32 carries in a
21-6 victory over the New York Giants. Jayden Daniels ran for 68
yards while throwing for 233 yards in that game. Jacory Croskey-Merritt,
a rookie seventh-round draft pick, had 82 yards and a touchdown on
10 carries.
“It’s great to start off a week with a win, dominate,” Wooden said.
“But we’ve got to keep it going. We’ve got a good team coming in on
Thursday. We know we’ve got to be ready to stop that run and contain
that quarterback.”
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Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs the ball
against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL
football game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP
Photo/Matt Ludtke)
What’s working
The defense collected four sacks and nine tackles for loss against a
Detroit team that scored an NFL-leading 33.2 points per game last
year. The Lions didn’t get a touchdown until the final minute of the
game. … After struggling early in games against NFC North teams last
year, the Packers grabbed an early 17-3 lead this time by scoring on
each of their first three drives. … The Packers didn’t turn the ball
over and were penalized just four times. … Jordan Love was never
sacked.
What needs help
The Packers rushed for 78 yards on 25 carries, an average of just
3.1 yards per attempt.
Stock up
Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper had a career-high 12 tackles. … Defensive
lineman Rashan Gary recorded 1 1/2 sacks. … Safety Evan Williams had
an interception in the red zone. … Daniel Whelan averaged 54.7 yards
on his three punts and landed two of them inside the Detroit 20-yard
line.
Stock down
After playing nearly 90% of Green Bay’s offensive snaps last season,
Sean Rhyan found himself in more of a rotation at right guard with
2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan. Rhyan still was on the field
about two-thirds of the time.
Injuries
Cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee) didn’t play. Cornerback Bo Melton
(shoulder), defensive lineman Brenton Cox (groin), offensive tackle
Zach Tom (hip) and guard Aaron Banks (ankle) all left the game.
There was no immediate word on their availability for Thursday.
Key number
13 — The Packers have won their last 13 home openers to match the
longest such streak in NFL history. The Miami Dolphins won 13
straight home openers from 1976-88.
Next steps
The Packers host Washington on Thursday and then go on the road for
four of their next five games.
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