Bijan Robinson delivered an impressive performance, rushing for 194 yards and scoring two touchdowns, as the Atlanta Falcons took advantage of quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s return and defeated the Green Bay Packers 35-14 on Thursday night. The Falcons, now 1-2, overcame an early 7-0 deficit by putting together a 27-point streak that swung momentum in their favor, all while enduring a chorus of boos from the Lambeau Field crowd. Atlanta's ground game proved dominant, racking up 242 rushing yards compared to Green Bay's meager 17.
This loss marked the Packers' first home opener defeat since a 30-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in 2012, ending a streak of 13 consecutive home opener victories that had tied the NFL record set by the Miami Dolphins between 1976 and 1988. Penix, returning from an ACL tear suffered on November 16 against Carolina, completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His comeback was significant because the Falcons' offense had sputtered during the first two weeks of the season with Cooper Rush at the helm. In addition to Robinson's rushing heroics, wide receiver Drake London made history by becoming one of the first teammates to record at least 150 yards from scrimmage against the Packers at Lambeau Field.
London hauled in nine receptions for 194 yards, showcasing his big-play ability. For Green Bay, quarterback Jordan Love threw for 312 yards on 28 of 53 attempts, delivering two touchdowns but also throwing an interception.
The Packers' running backs, MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson, combined for just 17 yards on eight carries, underscoring the team's struggles in the rushing department. Love's performance was hampered by an offensive line missing key pieces: left guard Aaron Banks was dealing with a toe injury, and right tackle Zach Bako‑Bewele suffered a torn patellar tendon that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. In their stead, rookie Jager Burton, a fifth‑round pick from Kentucky, earned his first start at left guard, while 2025 second‑rounder Anthony Belton took over at right tackle. Discipline issues that plagued Green Bay in its opening two games resurfaced on Thursday.
The Packers initially led 7-0 and appeared to force a third‑and‑11 incompletion late in the first quarter, but a roughing‑the‑passer penalty on Brenton Cox Jr. gave Atlanta a fresh set of downs.
Robinson capitalized on the ensuing play with a 55‑yard carry that set up his own three‑yard touchdown run. The Packers have been penalized heavily this season, committing an NFL‑high 26 penalties in the first two weeks alone.
Robinson's long run also allowed Atlanta to finally snap the ball inside the opponent's 20‑yard line for the first time this season—a notable milestone, as the Falcons were the first team since the 2008 Rams to go through the first two weeks without a single red‑zone rushing attempt. Atlanta continued to dominate the first half, entering the break with a 17-7 lead.
Nick Folk extended the Falcons' advantage with a 44‑yard field goal with 4:48 left in the second quarter. After Zach Harrison blocked Trey Smack's 47‑yard field‑goal attempt, Penix connected on a five‑yard touchdown pass to Austin Hooper on third‑and‑goal with 59 seconds remaining before halftime. The second half began with Green Bay squandering a red‑zone opportunity; Love failed to find Christian Watson in the end zone on fourth‑and‑one from the seven-yard line. Atlanta responded by widening the gap to 24-7 on its next drive, capping a 10‑play, 92‑yard march with a seven‑yard touchdown run by Brian Robinson.
Folk added a 31‑yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, but Love managed to throw a 15‑yard touchdown pass to Matthew Golden with 8:18 left on the clock. Robinson sealed the victory with a two‑yard touchdown run, bringing his total to two scores for the night. The game highlighted the stark contrast between the two franchises' trajectories.
The Falcons, buoyed by Penix's return and Robinson's explosive running, demonstrated a balanced attack that combined a revitalized passing game with a potent ground assault. Their ability to convert long runs into scoring opportunities and to capitalize on special‑teams plays, such as the blocked field goal, underscored a growing confidence that could translate into more wins as the season progresses.
Conversely, the Packers' loss exposed lingering vulnerabilities on both sides of the ball. Their offensive line injuries forced inexperienced players into starting roles, contributing to a lack of protection for Love and stalling the running game. The high penalty count further hampered their ability to sustain drives, while missed opportunities in the red zone highlighted a need for better execution in critical moments.
Looking ahead, Atlanta will aim to build on this performance, hoping to maintain momentum and avoid the early‑season pitfalls that have plagued other teams. For Green Bay, the challenge will be to regroup, address the injury‑plagued line, and tighten discipline to stop the penalty bleed.
Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every game, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027. Subscribers also have the option to stream matches without a contract through the NOW platform, where the latest Sky Sports deals are available.