Micah Parsons Defends Packers Rookie After Harsh Criticism Following Lions Game

After a rollercoaster performance by rookie right guard Anthony Belton in the Packers’ Thanksgiving Day win over the Detroit Lions, criticism came fast and fierce across NFL media circles. But in a surprising twist, Packers superstar defender Micah Parsons stepped up to defend Belton and his comments have gone viral.

“Let the kid grow. Don’t kill a fire that’s just been lit.” – Micah Parson

Rookie Under Fire

Anthony Belton, a second round pick out of NC State, was hailed as a potential solution at right guard after an impressive Week 12 start against the Minnesota Vikings. However, in Week 13 against the Lions, Belton struggled. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he allowed 6 pressures in just 35 pass blocking snaps. He also committed a false start penalty that was saved only by a timely timeout, a mistake that ultimately led the Packers to settle for a field goal instead of a touchdown to Romeo Doubs.

Belton’s PFF grades were far from flattering
Overall 41.1
Run blocking 37.4
Pass protection 46.6

Media outlets quickly pounced. A headline from Dairyland Express bluntly stated that the Packers should pump the brakes on the Belton hype. With playoff hopes on the line and fierce NFC defenses looming including the Eagles, Rams, and Seahawks, the pressure on Belton grew fast.

Micah Parsons Claps Back – A Message From a Defensive Star

What no one expected was that Micah Parsons, one of the NFL’s top defensive players and someone who has lined up across from the Packers' O line, would be the one to defend Belton

“Y’all are judging one game. We judge careers. No one is perfect in Week 1.” – Parsons added during a livestream session

He emphasized that offensive linemen face one of the toughest transitions in the NFL, especially when being asked to shift roles and positions frequently. Belton, standing 6 foot 6 and weighing 336 pounds, is still adjusting to the pro level amid Green Bay’s ever changing offensive line.

Still a Key to the Packers’ Playoff Hopes

Despite his rocky outing, Belton’s physical tools and potential remain undeniable. If he can stabilize at right guard, the Packers may be able to move Jordan Morgan back to his natural left tackle position, a shift that could strengthen the entire offensive front.

Right now, Green Bay’s rushing attack ranks just
15th in yards per game 117.2
23rd in yards per carry 4.0
Improvement in the trenches, especially from Belton, could swing their momentum in the crucial weeks ahead.

Bottom Line
From heavily scrutinized rookie to the unlikely center of support from an All Pro rival, Anthony Belton now finds himself in a new spotlight. Micah Parsons’ public defense isn’t just encouragement, it’s a sharp reminder to critics that no player deserves to be buried after just one off game