Objectively, what’s obvious is the lengths offenses are going to defend Parsons. At times, opponents have an offensive lineman and tight end lined up on Parsons with a running back behind.

That attention has been beneficial for the Packers’ defense as a whole. Green Bay ranks in the top five in most defensive categories, including first in passing yards per play (5.13) and fifth in total defense (280.2 yards per game).

In addition to speeding up the quarterback’s timing, Parsons has been a vital contributor to the Packers pacing the league in run defense, allowing just 73.0 yards per game.

“He is totally changing the game,” defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said. “He just plays so hard, so when you see two guys engage on him, he’s got like one more burst left in him that most people do not have.

“You just see him accelerate, and you see it at practice, and you see how low he comes off the ball. There’s like this other gear he gets where most people kind of shut down, he just keeps going.”

Parsons’ ability to drive through tackles has earned a couple holding penalties, but there may be a possibility for even more. Not a single flag was thrown for holding in the Packers’ 27-18 win over Cincinnati last Sunday.

After five years in the NFL, Parsons says he’s not worried about it. Getting held comes in the job description. His concern is when a defensive player is getting pulled to the ground or a chip blocker crashes into his side.

“That’s how guys get hurt, man,” Parsons said. “We put so much emphasis on protecting the offense. Protect the defense. A guy could be trying to catch the ball, and you make a defensive play so he doesn’t catch it, and it’s targeting. It’s a flag.

“But a defensive end can be rushing and engaged with another player, and the guy can come blow his ribs out, and we’re not considered defenseless.”

Frustration aside, Parsons is looking forward to Sunday’s matchup with the Cardinals. Defensively, the Packers are aiming to better close out games after allowing 38 points in the fourth quarter of their last three games.

Parsons feels good about where the unit is at after a “great practice” Thursday, particularly on third downs and two-minute situations.

Signs point towards Jacoby Brissett making a second start in place of an injured Kyler Murray and the veteran QB could look to copy the blueprint Dak Prescott and Joe Flacco set of getting the ball out quickly to avoid pressure.

Parsons welcomes the challenge and showing he can make an impact, regardless of the circumstances surrounding him.

“I’ve just got to keep going. That’s the hunt,” Parsons said. “That’s part of the challenges. You’ve got to keep going. … That’s the part of being one of the best. That comes with some territory.”