The Green Bay Packers are on a roll after defeating the Detroit Lions 31-24 on Thanksgiving Day and sweeping the season series from their long-time rivals. The win enabled the Packers to improve their record to 8-3-1, putting them in a virtual tie for first place with the Chicago Bears (8-3). The Packers received a brilliant performance from several of their stars, and nobody was more vital than edge rusher Micah Parsons.

The former Cowboy played with ferocity and great speed, and he was credited with 8 tackles (4 solo and 4 assists) and 2.5 sacks. Parsons was able to track down Lions quarterback Jared Goff and harass him throughout the game. Prior to his brilliant Thanksgiving Day performance, Parsons received a text message from All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, urging him to put on a show against the Lions. “I hope you go be great,” Garrett texted the Green Bay star.

As a result of his 2.5 sacks, Parsons now has 12-plus sacks in five consecutive seasons. He has clearly had the kind of impact on the Green Bay defense that the Packers were hoping for when they acquired him from the Dallas Cowboys just before the start of the season.

Love has big day leading the Packers offense

While the Packers defense was able to harass and limit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions defense could not do the same to Packers quarterback Jordan Love. The signal caller was able to survey the Detroit defense and attack its weak spots. Love had one of the most productive games of his career as he completed 18 of 30 passes for 234 yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Dontayvion Wicks was his most productive receiver as he caught 6 passes for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Packers also saw Christian Watson catch 4 passes for 80 yards and a score.

Josh Jacobs returned from a sore knee and gave the Packers a productive ground game. He had 17 carries for 83 yards and his consistency helped keep the Detroit defense from teeing off on Love.