Bijan Robinson delivered a spectacular performance, racking up 194 rushing yards and crossing the end zone twice, as the Atlanta Falcons took advantage of quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s return to secure a decisive 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Atlanta, now standing at 1-2 on the season, overcame an early 7-0 shortfall by unleashing a 27-point surge that effectively seized control of the game, all while enduring a chorus of boos echoing through Lambeau Field.
The Falcons' ground attack proved dominant, amassing 242 rushing yards compared to the Packers' meager 17 on the ground. For Green Bay, also 1-2, the loss marked the first time they had been defeated in a home opener since a 30-22 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.
That defeat ended a remarkable stretch of 13 consecutive home opener victories that spanned from 2013 through 2025, tying the NFL record set by the Miami Dolphins, who also won 13 straight home openers from 1976 to 1988. Penix, making his first appearance since tearing the ACL in his left knee during a November 16 loss to Carolina, completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, delivering one touchdown pass but also throwing an interception. Atlanta's offense had been virtually stagnant in the first two weeks of the season, relying on Cooper Rush to start at quarterback.
Penix's return injected much‑needed vitality into the Falcons' aerial attack. Robinson and wide receiver Drake London made history by becoming the first teammates to each record at least 150 yards from scrimmage against the Packers at Lambeau Field. London hauled in nine receptions for 194 yards, showcasing his deep‑ball ability and route‑running precision.
On the other side of the ball, Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 28 of 53 attempts for 312 yards, throwing for two touchdowns but also surrendering an interception. The Packers' rushing duo, MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson, combined for a paltry 17 yards on eight carries, underscoring the team's struggles in the running game. Love operated behind an offensive line that was missing key pieces: left guard Aaron Banks was sidelined with a toe injury, and right tackle Zach Bako‑Bewele suffered a torn patellar tendon on Sunday, ending his season prematurely.
To fill the void, rookie fifth‑round pick Jager Burton, a former Kentucky standout, earned his first career start at left guard, while 2025 second‑round selection Anthony Belton took the snaps at right tackle. Discipline issues that plagued Green Bay in its opening two contests resurfaced on Thursday. After the Packers opened the game with a 7-0 lead and appeared to force a third‑and‑11 incompletion late in the first quarter, Brenton Cox Jr. was flagged for roughing the passer.
On the very next play, Robinson broke free for a 55‑yard rush that set up his own three‑yard touchdown run, shifting momentum firmly toward Atlanta. Green Bay entered the matchup carrying an NFL‑high 26 penalties over the first two weeks, a statistic that highlighted their lack of composure and contributed to stalled drives.
Robinson's long run also gave Atlanta its first snap inside an opponent's 20‑yard line of the season. Prior to that, the Falcons were the first team since the 2008 Rams to go without a single red‑zone play in the first two weeks of a campaign. The Falcons continued to dominate the remainder of the first half, entering the halftime break with a 17-7 advantage. Kicker Nick Folk extended Atlanta's lead with a 44‑yard field goal with 4:48 remaining in the second quarter.
After a blocked 47‑yard field‑goal attempt by Trey Smack, Penix connected with tight end Austin Hooper on a five‑yard touchdown pass on third‑and‑goal with just 59 seconds left before halftime, pushing the score to 24-7. In the second half, Green Bay squandered a promising red‑zone opportunity on its opening drive, as Love failed to find Christian Watson in the end zone on a fourth‑and‑one from the seven-yard line. Atlanta responded on its next possession with a methodical 10‑play, 92‑yard drive that culminated in a seven‑yard touchdown run by Brian Robinson, extending the lead to 31-7. Folk added a 31‑yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, further widening the margin.
Love managed to get a late score, throwing a 15‑yard touchdown pass to Matthew Golden with 8:18 left on the clock, but the damage was already done. Bijan Robinson capped the scoring barrage with a two‑yard touchdown run, sealing a 35‑14 victory for the Falcons. The game not only highlighted Robinson's breakout status but also underscored the Packers' ongoing challenges with line play, discipline, and offensive consistency. For Atlanta, Penix's return signaled a potential turning point in their season, offering hope that the offense can finally find its rhythm.
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