Bijan Robinson delivered a spectacular performance, amassing 194 rushing yards and crossing the end zone twice as the Atlanta Falcons seized a decisive 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. The win came after the Falcons, now 1-2, rallied from an early 7-0 deficit by scoring an unbroken stretch of 27 points, all while enduring a chorus of boos echoing through Lambeau Field. The Falcons' ground attack proved dominant, outgaining the Packers 242 yards on the ground compared to Green Bay's meager 17. This aerial and terrestrial imbalance set the tone for a game that saw Atlanta capitalize on the return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who made his first start since tearing the ACL in his left knee during a November 16 loss to Carolina.
Penix completed 18 of 25 pass attempts for 256 yards, adding a touchdown pass while also throwing an interception. His comeback was especially significant because Atlanta had struggled to generate any offensive rhythm in the first two weeks of the season, relying on backup quarterback Cooper Rush during his absence.
Robinson's explosive run game was complemented by a historic effort from wide receiver Drake London, who caught nine passes for 194 yards. Together, they became the first pair of teammates to each record at least 150 yards from scrimmage against the Packers at Lambeau Field. London's ability to stretch the field forced Green Bay's secondary into uncomfortable positions, creating space for Robinson to find seams and break long runs, including a pivotal 55-yard carry that set up his own three-yard touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw for 312 yards, completing 28 of 53 attempts with two touchdowns and one interception. However, his performance was hampered by an offensive line riddled with injuries. Left guard Aaron Banks was battling a toe injury, while right tackle Zach Bako‑Bewele suffered a torn patellar tendon that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
In response, rookie Jager Burton, a fifth‑round selection from Kentucky, stepped in at left guard, and 2025 second‑round pick Anthony Belton filled in at right tackle. Despite these adjustments, the line struggled to protect Love, who faced relentless pressure throughout the game.
Green Bay's rushing attack was virtually nonexistent. Running backs MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson combined for just 17 yards on eight carries, a stark contrast to Atlanta's relentless ground assault. The Packers' inability to establish the run forced them into predictable passing situations, which only amplified the pressure on Love and contributed to the team's high penalty count.
Green Bay entered the matchup with an NFL‑high 26 penalties accumulated over the first two weeks of the season, a discipline issue that resurfaced in Thursday's contest. The early moments of the game illustrated the Packers' initial advantage. Green Bay opened the scoring with a 7-0 lead and appeared poised to maintain momentum when Brenton Cox Jr. was called for roughing the passer on a crucial third‑and‑11 play late in the first quarter.
The penalty gave Atlanta a fresh set of downs, and Robinson seized the opportunity, ripping off a 55‑yard run that set up his own three‑yard touchdown, tying the game and shifting momentum. Atlanta's offense continued to thrive in the red zone, a notable development because the Falcons had been the first team since the 2008 Rams to fail to run any plays inside the opponent's 20‑yard line during the first two weeks of a season. Robinson's long run placed the Falcons inside the Packers' 20 for the first time this year, and they capitalized with a series of efficient plays that culminated in a 17‑7 halftime lead.
The second half saw the Packers squander a red‑zone opportunity on their opening drive when Love's pass to Christian Watson fell incomplete on fourth‑and‑one from the seven‑yard line. Atlanta responded by extending their lead to 24‑7 on the next possession, with Brian Robinson (no relation to Bijan) punching in a seven‑yard touchdown after a methodical 10‑play, 92‑yard drive. Special teams also played a pivotal role. Nick Folk nailed a 44‑yard field goal with 4:48 left in the second quarter, giving Atlanta a three‑point edge.
Later, defensive end Zach Harrison blocked a 47‑yard field‑goal attempt by Packers kicker Trey Smack, a play that set up Penix's five‑yard touchdown pass to Austin Hooper on third‑and‑goal with just 59 seconds remaining before halftime. In the fourth quarter, Folk added a 31‑yard field goal, stretching the Falcons' advantage further.
Love managed to connect on a 15‑yard touchdown pass to Matthew Golden with 8:18 left on the clock, providing a brief spark for Green Bay, but Robinson sealed the victory with a two‑yard rushing touchdown, finalizing the 35‑14 scoreline. The loss marked a historic moment for the Packers as well. It was their first home opener defeat since a 30‑22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in 2012, ending a streak of 13 consecutive home‑opening victories that spanned from 2013 to 2025—a record they shared with the Miami Dolphins, who also won 13 straight home openers between 1976 and 1988. Overall, the game highlighted Atlanta's resurgence with a healthy quarterback returning to the field and a dynamic rushing attack led by Robinson.
The Falcons' ability to convert early adversity into a commanding lead, coupled with disciplined play and effective special teams, underscored their potential as a competitive force moving forward. Meanwhile, Green Bay must address its penalty woes and offensive line injuries if they hope to rebound in the upcoming weeks. Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every game, including the playoffs and the Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027.
Viewers also have the option to stream games without a contract via NOW, taking advantage of the latest Sky Sports deals for flexible, on‑demand access to all the action.