The Atlanta Falcons put on a resounding offensive display on Thursday night, powered by a stellar performance from running back Bijan Robinson and the much-anticipated return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Easing early concerns about an offense that had sputtered through the opening weeks of the season, the Falcons marched into Lambeau Field and decisively defeated the Green Bay Packers 35-14, turning the famed stadium silent amid a chorus of boos from the home faithful.
With the victory, Atlanta improved to 1-2 on the young season, erasing an initial 7-0 deficit by rattling off 27 unanswered points to take absolute control of the contest. The offensive resurgence was anchored by a historic night on the ground. The Falcons completely overwhelmed the Packers in the trenches, outrushing their hosts by a staggering 242 yards to just 17.
For Green Bay, the loss marked an uncharacteristic and historic stumble. The Packers (1-2) dropped a home opener for the first time since falling 30-22 to the San Francisco 49ers back in 2012. Prior to Thursday night’s defeat, Green Bay had won 13 consecutive home openers from 2013 to 2025, sharing the NFL record with the Miami Dolphins, who put together an identical streak of 13 straight home-opening victories from 1976 to 1988.
Penix Returns to Spark the Falcons Offense
The night’s biggest storyline for Atlanta was the return of Michael Penix Jr. under center. Making his first appearance since suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during a loss to the Carolina Panthers on November 16 of last year, Penix showed poise and precision. He completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, throwing one touchdown pass and one interception.
Penix’s return injected much-needed life into an Atlanta offense that had struggled mightily to move the ball or generate points with Cooper Rush starting at quarterback during the first two weeks of the season. With Penix directing traffic, the Falcons found an offensive rhythm that had eluded them since September began.
The efficiency of the passing game was complemented by a historic outing from wide receiver Drake London, who joined Robinson in the record books. London hauled in nine receptions for 194 yards, becoming part of the first teammate tandem in NFL history to each compile at least 150 yards from scrimmage against the Packers at Lambeau Field. Robinson’s rushing dominance, combined with London’s explosive downfield catches, left Green Bay’s defense searching for answers all evening.
Packers Struggle with Penalties and Injuries
Green Bay entered the game dealing with significant roster challenges, particularly along the offensive line. Quarterback Jordan Love was forced to work behind a makeshift front missing left guard Aaron Banks and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele. Bako-Bewele suffered a torn patellar tendon on Sunday and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, while Banks was sidelined due to a lingering toe injury.
To fill the voids, the Packers turned to rookie Jager Burton—a fifth-round draft pick out of Kentucky—who made his first career start at left guard. Alongside him, 2025 second-round selection Anthony Belton drew the start at right tackle. The reshuffled line struggled to establish a run game, as running backs MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson combined for a paltry 17 yards on eight carries. Love finished the night completing 28 of 53 passes for 312 yards, throwing two touchdowns and an interception, but the one-dimensional nature of the offense ultimately hamstrung Green Bay’s comeback efforts.
Compounding their personnel issues, the lack of discipline that plagued the Packers during their first two weeks resurfaced in glaring fashion. Green Bay had entered the week leading the NFL with 26 penalties through the first two games, and self-inflicted mistakes once again cost them dearly on Thursday.
Holding a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter, the Packers defense seemingly forced an Atlanta third-and-11 incompletion. However, defensive lineman Brenton Cox Jr. was flagged for roughing the passer, keeping the Falcons’ drive alive. Seizing the lifeline, Robinson broke loose for a 55-yard run on the very next play, instantly setting up his own three-yard touchdown run.
That explosive sequence broke a bizarre drought for the visitors. Robinson’s long dash finally allowed Atlanta to snap a play inside an opponent’s 20-yard line for the first time all season. The Falcons had previously earned the dubious distinction of being the first team since the 2008 St. Louis Rams to fail to run a single play in the red zone through the first two weeks of a campaign.
Atlanta Pulls Away in the Second Half
Once the Falcons solved their early offensive woes, they completely dictated the flow of the game. They carried a 17-7 advantage into halftime, fueled by a combination of special teams heroics and efficient offense. Kicker Nick Folk put Atlanta ahead with a 44-yard field goal with 4:48 remaining in the second quarter. Shortly after, defensive lineman Zach Harrison burst through the line to block Trey Smack’s 47-yard field-goal attempt, setting the table for Penix to connect with tight end Austin Hooper on a five-yard touchdown pass on third-and-goal with just 59 seconds left before the intermission.
Green Bay had a golden opportunity to swing momentum back in their favor on the opening possession of the second half, driving deep into Atlanta territory. Yet, the drive stalled when Love failed to connect with wide receiver Christian Watson in the end zone on a crucial fourth-and-one from the seven-yard line.
Capitalizing on the defensive stop, the Falcons marched down the field with authority. A 10-play, 92-yard drive was capped off by a seven-yard touchdown run from Robinson, pushing Atlanta’s lead to 24-7 and further frustrating the Lambeau Field crowd.
Folk added a 31-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to extend the cushion further. Though Love managed to lead a scoring drive capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Golden with 8:18 remaining on the clock, it proved to be too little, too late. Robinson put the finishing touches on the blowout victory with his second rushing touchdown of the night, a two-yard plunge that sealed the 35-14 final score and capped an unforgettable evening for the surging Falcons.