Matt LaFleur Only Uses 1-Word to Describe Micah Parsons & Co. in Week 2 Win Over Commanders

The Green Bay Packers made a statement Thursday night at Lambeau Field. Their defense shut down one of the NFL’s better offenses. Not for a quarter, not for a half, but for a solid three quarters. The Commanders, boasting last season’s top offensive weapons, struggled to find the end zone until the fourth quarter. DE Micah Parsons and HC Matt LaFleur’s defense kept coming, hitting QB Jayden Daniels repeatedly and shutting down the run game like a well-oiled machine. It was the kind of defensive performance that sets the tone early and carries through to a 27-18 win.

So, when asked about the team’s defensive effort, LaFleur nailed it with a single word: “relentless.” That one word sums up the way the Packers attacked the Commanders. Four sacks, 12 hits on Daniels, and a powerful presence that made life miserable for the opposing offense. Daniels finished with a modest 85.4 passer rating. For the Packers HC, this relentless defensive grind is exactly the style he demands. “Just physical, aggressive, attacking. The play style is exactly what we want from these guys, and it always starts with the energy and effort. That’s going to get you through and can overcome some of the mistakes.” 

The Packers’ defense has now allowed just 97 rushing yards in two games, a huge factor in their unbeaten start. The defense feeds off each other, building momentum that carries into the offense’s rhythm. Matt LaFleur was clear: “Our players are doing a great job feeding off one another, and it’s definitely exciting to watch our defense go out there and perform, because they allow us to get up on somebody.” The kind of performance that not only frustrates the opponent but keeps the Packers in control, regardless of injuries or mistakes.

But this defensive dominance wasn’t the only story. The Green and Gold showed their own form of relentlessness on offense, grinding out long, 90-plus-yard touchdown drives twice in the first half. It’s the first time they’ve managed this feat under LaFleur. QB Jordan Love went deep often, stretching the field and letting his playmakers shine. TE Tucker Kraft’s electrifying 57-yard catch and run set up the first score. A toe-tapping 37-yard sideline grab by WR Malik Heath set up a rushing touchdown from RB Josh Jacobs.

Key takeaways from the Packers vs. Commanders game

1. The Packers’ win was a masterclass in aggressive football on both sides of the ball. Washington came with some advantage in field position, starting drives from their own 45, 43, and even Green Bay’s 44-yard line. Their drives sputtered out, ending in missed field goals or punts. For a team that looked potent last season, this was a tough pill to swallow. Meanwhile, Parsons showed signs of frustration, feeling he wasn’t given enough chances to make the impact plays he’s known for.
2. The Packers’ defense carefully dissected the opposing offense. Daniels, usually mobile and elusive, managed just 17 rushing yards on seven carries. Matt LaFleur was ecstatic, “That’s a helluva day defensively. If you told me that’s what it was going to be after the game, I’d say advantage us.” LaFleur said. By keeping Daniels locked down on the ground, the Packers limited big plays and forced Washington into mistakes. Despite some pressure in the second half by the Commanders, Green Bay’s defense held the line, and the offense was smart enough not to play into any traps.
3. Offensively, the Packers went the long way to score early and often. Jordan Love made it clear he’s not here to play it safe. “I’m going to be an aggressive quarterback,” he said. “I love taking shots downfield. I’ve got a lot of confidence in my guys that they’re going to make plays when we get some of those opportunities.” And he backed it up, throwing for 292 yards, two touchdowns, and posting his second straight triple-digit passer rating (113.9). The Packers kept their foot on the gas, even when missing linemen Zach Tom and Aaron Banks.
4. When Washington finally threatened in the fourth quarter with a touchdown, the Packers responded immediately, pounding out a 65-yard, nine-play drive that ended with Kraft’s touchdown catch. They didn’t allow momentum to slip away. Instead, with a jaw-dropping display of creativity and tough running, they restored their two-touchdown lead, effectively sealing the win with a late Brandon McManus field goal.
5. The Packers did pay a price, losing third-year receiver Jayden Reed to a broken collarbone. LaFleur called it a “big blow,” noting Reed’s role as a “catalyst” for the offense. But with a deep receiving corps, the Packers seem poised to keep rolling, confident others will step up in Reed’s absence.