I have three observations from Sunday’s game; Parsons is as advertised, Lukas Van Ness looks like he is improving, and the Darian Kinnard trade is already paying dividends.

Parsons offered effusive praise of Van Ness after the game. He recently told the former first-round pick, “You could be a Cameron Wake. You could be like a Julius Peppers.” Those obviously are lofty comparisons, but I get what Parsons is talking about. Van Ness is an elite talent and has the capability to rush outside on early downs and bump inside to a three-technique on third downs like Peppers did in Green Bay. Van Ness’ split sack with Rashan Gary came from LVN rushing inside. That’s a playmaker growing into his athleticism. To your final point, this is why Kinnard is here.

Chris from New Canaan, CT

My son aptly described Parsons’ chase-down sack pursuit of Goff as “like something out of a wild kingdom documentary …” The “cheetah” package is LVN, Parsons, and Gary all on the field at the same time, correct? Now that would be a game theme. Let’s get the fans dressed up in cheetah outfits and cheetah print hunting gear. It would be a sight to behold…

That’s another reason the Peppers comparison works…that “Cheetah” package was right out of the Dom Capers’ “NASCAR” playbook that featured Peppers inside.

Micah Parsons is getting a lot of credit for our defense, and Jeff Hafley too, but what about DeMarcus Covington? What’s his part in how, exempli gratia, players like Colby Wooden are developing?

The Packers had a vision when they brought the edge rushers and D-line together under one roof last season and Covington looks like the man to see it through. Here’s what Van Ness had to say about it last month in Indianapolis: “The strongest units I’ve ever seen are guys who play together. They play hard, fast. I think we lacked that in the past and I think he’s kind of unlocked a strong connection between us that we can go out and trust each other and know that we’re going to put the hard work in.”

Hey guys, can you go into the success the Packers had with the DL stunts, why that hadn’t worked in the past, how it can help keep Parsons from the double-teams, and how teams will look to counter against that? Thanks!

It’s partly fundamentals and technique, but also having a superstar like Parsons is a huge distraction for the offensive line. Mix in high-caliber rushers such as Gary, Devonte Wyatt and Van Ness and offenses have a real problem on their hands.

Charlie from Caledonia, WI

Statistical question for you. Is a sack counted as a hit on the quarterback as well?

Yes, and a tackle for loss.

Scott from Palos Park, IL

Much of the broadcast focus throughout the game was on Parsons and that is fair enough. However, Edgerrin Cooper compiled 12 tackles and I did not see a missed tackle from him all day. Is that the quietest 12-tackle game you have ever seen? Javon Bullard was a close second on the quiet front, as well.

I don’t think there was anything quiet about the way Cooper played Sunday. He didn’t have a sack but affected the game as a true linebacker. Pro Football Focus credited Cooper with eight stops (a tackle creating a failure for the offense) on his 12 tackles. I felt like Cooper and the linebackers had a hell of a day. The same goes for Bullard and the secondary taming Detroit’s receivers.

Will Micah lend any insights into the Washington matchup? You’d think some input could be invaluable from the time with Pokes?

Washington is obviously a common opponent for Parsons during his time in Dallas, but what may be even more valuable is Parsons’ three seasons playing in Dan Quinn’s defense. You can bet the Packers’ ears will be open to any intel Parsons can provide this week.