When the Washington Commanders take the field at Lambeau on Thursday night, there will be a familiar face on the other sideline. Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons still credits Dan Quinn, now Washington’s head coach, for shaping the early years of his NFL career in Dallas. Their paths have diverged, but their respect remains intact.
Quinn, who guided Parsons as Cowboys defensive coordinator from 2021-23, now leads a Commanders team fresh off an NFC championship game appearance. Parsons, meanwhile, is settling into life in Green Bay after being traded just before the season opener and immediately rewarded with a record-breaking contract. The two square off in a Week 2 primetime matchup on Thursday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video).
The Packers are still managing Parsons’ workload as he nurses a back issue. He was listed as questionable last week but played just under half of Green Bay’s defensive snaps in a 27-13 win over Detroit, recording one of four sacks. His impact, even at less than full strength, was undeniable.
Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur, who once worked under Quinn in Atlanta, knows the value of having Parsons on his side. But the Commanders are equally aware—Parsons sacked them 4.5 times across two meetings last season while in Dallas. His ability to disrupt Washington’s offense could swing Thursday’s game.
Washington’s second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to look like the franchise cornerstone Quinn envisioned when he took the job. Daniels was efficient in a 21-6 Week 1 victory over the Giants, throwing for 233 yards and a touchdown while adding 68 yards on the ground. Listed with a minor wrist issue earlier this week, Daniels practiced fully and Quinn dismissed any concern.
Protecting Daniels against a pass rush led by Parsons and emerging linebacker Edgerrin Cooper—who posted a career-best 12 tackles last Sunday—will be priority No. 1 for Washington’s offensive line.
The Commanders also found a spark in rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick who rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries against New York. His continued development could give Washington balance against a Packers defense built to attack.
On the other side, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love silenced any doubts about his health after offseason thumb surgery. Love was sharp against the Lions, completing 16 of 22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. His protection will be tested Thursday, as right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) and left guard Aaron Banks (groin/ankle) are questionable. The Packers have held opponents without a sack in four of their last seven games, but Washington’s defensive front poses a different challenge.
For Quinn and Parsons, Thursday’s contest is more than just another game—it’s a reminder of the bond they forged in Dallas and the new chapters they’re writing elsewhere. “Coach Quinn always believed in me,” Parsons said this week. “That doesn’t change just because we’re on opposite sidelines.”
But sentiment only goes so far under the lights at Lambeau. With two emerging contenders squaring off, Parsons’ health and Daniels’ poise could determine which team stays unbeaten.
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
