Micah Parsons targets Bears' offensive line for dominance, emphasizing earning respect through sheer force. This fierce pass rusher faces a formidable challenge.
Micah Parsons may be playing in the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears rivalry for the first time on Sunday, but he made sure to let fans know where he stood.
Parsons was traded to Green Bay from the Dallas Cowboys this offseason for two first-round picks, and the Packers also received defensive lineman Kenny Clark.
Parsons has finished with 10 or more sacks in every season he's been in the NFL, and this year is no different. The pass rusher has 12.5 sacks in 12 games with 11 starts.
On Thursday, Parsons noted that rivalries are more for fans. He revealed that the rivalry had nothing to do with his dislike of the Bears and was more about respect, according to USA TODAY's Ryan Wood.
Parsons that the best way to earn someone's respect was by "beating the **** out of them."
"Rivalries are for the people," Parsons said. "It's for the fans. For me, it's just going out there and just dominating. I just don't like them because I see the disrespect in a couple of things. That's why I say I play for respect. You know how to earn someone's respect is the beating the **** out of them. There's no better feeling than coming into a game and their best players are coming up to you, like, yeah, like, ok. Like, that's like respect."
While Parsons is definitely a tough player to stop, it will be no easy task against the Chicago offensive line. The four-time Pro Bowler will have his work cut out for him.
The Bears made it a priority to retool their offensive line this offseason. General Manager Ryan Poles traded for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, while signing free agent center Drew Dalman.
There's a reason that Caleb Williams hasn't been sacked very much this season. His offensive line has only allowed 19 sacks this season, which is the sixth-fewest in the league.
With the protection of his offensive line, Williams has accounted for 2,722 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The running game has also flourished, as the Bears have the second-most rushing yards per game at 153.8, with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai running the show in the backfield.
Sunday's game will be a good test for both teams. Chicago is 9-3 and atop the NFC North, while Green Bay is 8-3-1 and in second place. Kickoff from Lambeau Field will be at 3:25 p.m. CT on Fox.