The Dallas Cowboys shocked the NFL when they traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. While the move rippled across the league, no team benefits more than the Washington Commanders. Parsons, who has terrorized Washingtonâs offensive line since entering the league, now heads to the NFC North. For Commanders fans, that means relief from a nightmare matchup twice every season.
The numbers back it up. In just four years with Dallas, Parsons collected 10 and a half sacks against Washington. That total is the highest by any NFL sack leader against a single team over that span, and it is more than five sacks ahead of the next closest defender. Each time Washington lined up against Dallas, Parsons loomed as the game wrecker capable of flipping momentum with one explosive play.
Now, that threat is no longer on the NFC East schedule. Instead of preparing for Parsons twice a year, Washington can shift its focus to facing him only once this season in a Week 2 Thursday Night Football clash with Green Bay. Beyond that, the only other scenario that could pit the Commanders against Parsons again would be in the NFC playoffs.
Parsons Still Awaits in Week 2
Washington cannot completely celebrate yet. The Commanders still have to face Parsons early in the season when they travel to Green Bay in Week 2 under the primetime lights. That matchup will test second-year sensation quarterback Jayden Daniels and the offensive line against one of the most disruptive defenders in football. Parsonsâ speed and relentless motor can still wreck a game plan, and Washington knows all too well how dangerous he can be.
However, the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenge. Facing Parsons once this season instead of twice every year gives Washington a significant competitive edge within the division. The Commanders already face enough defensive challenges with Philadelphiaâs front seven and New Yorkâs emerging pass rushers. Removing Parsons from the equation changes the landscape of NFC East matchups for the foreseeable future.
The team has made it a point to protect their prized asset in Daniels by trading for five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and drafting in the first round, Josh Conerly Jr, to combat disrupters like Parsons.
Head coach Dan Quinn, who knows Parsons from their time together in Dallas, will likely remind his players not to underestimate what Green Bay brings to the table, as they still have Rashan Gary to deal with. But privately, the organization, albeit the new regime faced Parsons only twice (2024 season), must be thrilled that the player who caused more damage to their protection schemes than any other edge rusher in recent memory is no longer a divisional nightmare.
The Bigger Picture for Washington
The Commanders are in the early stages of building a new era around Daniels, and every advantage matters. Avoiding Parsons twice a year provides breathing room for a young quarterback and a revamped offensive line trying to find their rhythm. It also opens opportunities for Washington to shift its preparation time and resources toward other opponents.
Parsons’ move to Green Bay also impacts playoff implications. While the Commanders could face him again if both teams make the postseason, the odds of seeing him once instead of twice a year provide Washington with a smoother path in the NFC East. Division games often decide playoff seeding, and removing one of the toughest challenges increases Washingtonâs chances of competing and staying at the top of the division.
For years, Parsons symbolized defensive dominance over Washington. His departure marks a turning point. Now, instead of bracing for his presence multiple times a season, the Commanders can focus on continuing their offense output and capitalizing on a weakening divisional rival in Dallas and keeping their sights on Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia.
Fans can circle Week 2 as the one remaining showdown with Parsons, but after that, Washingtonâs schedule against the Cowboys’ defense should feel lighter. In a league where small margins often decide playoff spots, the Commanders just received a massive boost by no longer facing Micah Parsons in Cowboys blue.
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