The Chicago Bears took full advantage of Micah Parsons’ absence last season, beating the Green Bay Packers both to take over the NFC North lead and again in the wild card round of the playoffs. The star pass rusher was sorely missed after tearing his ACL, and exposed how depleted the Packers’ pass rush is without him. Hopes were high that the All-Pro might be able to return in time for the start of the regular season. Unfortunately, Parsons stated that any return likely won’t be until October at the earliest.
This is important where the Bears are concerned because their first matchup against Green Bay this season is week five on October 11th at Lambeau Field. Parsons not being there would present a golden opportunity for Chicago to steal one in their hated rival’s house. Well, some clarity on that just surfaced courtesy of Micah’s older brother, Terrence Parsons Jr. He made it clear on Twitter (X) that week five is unrealistic. Parson won’t start practicing until October, and then he’ll need at least three weeks before he’s up to full speed.
Apparently, the injury wasn’t a clean tear, which means recovery is more challenging.
Green Bay is still in big trouble without Micah Parsons.
Remember, they traded Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and let Kingsley Enigbare go in free agency. Those were the two best edge rushers behind Parsons last season. Right now, the Packers are looking at Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, and Brenton Cox. That trio combined for four sacks last season. Perhaps they have high hopes for 4th round pick Dani Dennis-Sutton, or believe the return of defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt will give the front a boost. There are many unknowns, which is never a good thing.
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Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is taking over for the departed Jeff Hafley this season. He coached one of the best pass rushes in recent NFL history with Philadelphia in 2022. They had 69 sacks that year. The problem is that Eagles team was loaded with guys like Haason Reddick, Javon Hargrave, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Milton Williams. An embarrassing amount of talent. Green Bay doesn’t have anywhere near that kind of depth, so Gannon will need some serious magic.
The Bears must take advantage of this.
Presuming Micah Parsons does miss that game, it means Chicago will face the Panthers, Vikings, Eagles, Jets, and Packers in the first five weeks. Three of those five games will be at home, with the two road trips being in Carolina and Green Bay. That is a monumental opportunity for the Bears to get off to a fast start. They already know they can beat Minnesota and Philadelphia, having done it last season. The Panthers, while not a pushover, are plenty beatable. New York was one of the worst teams in the league last year.
A 4-1 record is far from out of the question. If one of them is over the Packers, that gives the Bears a massive advantage in the chase for the NFC North crown. This way, they will have an advantage in the rematch at Soldier Field. Parsons undoubtedly will invigorate Green Bay’s defense when he returns. The trick will be whether it’s enough to dig them out of any possible hole they might fall into. It is up to Chicago to dig it as deep as possible.
