Two Green Bay Packers have made a big impact early in the 2025-26 season. Newly acquired All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons and standout punter Daniel Whelan are both playing at elite levels.
Through four weeks, their strong performances earned them spots on Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) First Quarter All-Pro Team. This award goes to players performing at the highest level early in the season. PFF bases its choices on advanced stats and player grades.
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Micah Parsons
In four games, Parsons has 2.5 sacks and eight tackles. Those stats may not stand out at first; however, the film shows his real impact. He’s been a constant problem for opposing offenses every week.
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Parsons started the year cautiously while recovering from a back injury. Even so, he has continued to dominate whenever he’s on the field. Over the last three games, he has generated 23 total pressures, even with limited snaps. To break it down, he played 45% of snaps in Week 1, 68% in Week 2, 77% in Week 3, and 68% in Week 4.
His 28.0% pass-rush win rate ranks fourth in the league. In addition, his 93.4 PFF pass-rush grade leads all edge defenders.
Parsons also has 25 total pressures, tied for the most in the NFL with Will Anderson Jr. In Week 4 against the Cowboys, he recorded a season-high 10 pressures.
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Because of his dominance, PFF named him Defensive Player of the Quarter. This shows just how valuable he’s been and how consistently he performs. Even with limited snaps, Parsons remains an unstoppable force for Green Bay’s defense.
Daniel Whelan
Meanwhile, Daniel Whelan continues to shine on special teams. He recently signed a $7 million extension through 2027, with over $2 million guaranteed. The Packers expected him to continue being a difference-maker, and he has delivered.
Through four weeks, Whelan ranks third in the league with 51.8 gross yards per punt. In addition, he’s tied for second with a 4.76-second average hang time.
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His strong numbers make it no surprise that he also earned a spot on the PFF First Quarter All-Pro Team. Week after week, Whelan flips field position and sets up the defense for success. He’s proven to be one of the most dependable specialists in the NFL, and he’s propping up what has been a poor unit for the Packers thus far.
Parsons and Whelan Need to Keep It Up
Parsons has shown why he’s one, if not the best, pass rushers in football. His dominance earned him Defensive Player of the Quarter honors. Meanwhile, Whelan continues to be a steady force on special teams, consistently flipping the field and helping the defense.
Overall, their combined impact has been crucial to the Packers’ early success. If they keep performing at this level, they will both play major roles in a championship run.
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