Bijan Robinson delivered a spectacular performance on Thursday night, rushing for 194 yards and finding the end zone twice as the Atlanta Falcons seized a decisive 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The win came shortly after the Falcons reinstated quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who returned to the field after a lengthy rehabilitation period. Atlanta, now standing at 1-2 on the season, overcame an early 7-0 shortfall by piling on 27 unanswered points, a surge that unfolded amid a chorus of jeers echoing through Lambeau Field.
The Falcons' ground attack proved overwhelming, amassing 242 rushing yards compared with a paltry 17 for the Packers. For Green Bay, the loss marked a historic moment: it was the first time the Packers had dropped their home opener since a 30-22 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers back in 2012.
That loss snapped a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive home-opening victories that stretched from 2013 through 2025, a run that had tied the NFL record held by the Miami Dolphins, who also won 13 straight home openers between 1976 and 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 pass attempts for 256 yards, adding a touchdown pass while also throwing an interception. The Falcons had struggled offensively in the first two weeks of the season, relying on backup quarterback Cooper Rush to lead the offense, which resulted in minimal production.
Penix's return injected much‑needed momentum and confidence into the Atlanta attack. Robinson and wide receiver Drake London made history for the Falcons by becoming the first teammates to each record at least 150 yards from scrimmage in a single game 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 Packers' side, quarterback Jordan Love threw for 312 yards, completing 28 of 53 attempts and delivering two touchdowns alongside one interception.
However, the Packers' rushing game faltered, with MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson combining for just 17 yards on eight carries. Their offensive line was also hampered by injuries: left guard Aaron Banks was nursing 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 to those gaps, rookie Jager Burton, a fifth‑round selection from Kentucky, earned his first career start at left guard, while 2025 second‑round pick Anthony Belton filled in at right tackle. Despite the infusion of fresh talent, Green Bay continued to wrestle with discipline issues that had plagued them in their opening two games. The game began with Green Bay taking a 7-0 lead and appearing to force a third‑and‑11 incompletion late in the first quarter when Brenton Cox Jr.
was flagged for roughing the passer. The very next play saw Robinson break free for a 55‑yard rush, setting up his own three‑yard touchdown run and flipping the momentum in Atlanta's favor.
Packers penalties have been a recurring problem, as the team logged an NFL‑high 26 penalties during the first two weeks of the season. Robinson's explosive run also gave the Falcons their first snap inside the opponent's 20‑yard line of the season, ending a drought that had seen them become the first team since the 2008 Rams to enter the red zone without a single play in the first two weeks. Atlanta maintained its dominance throughout the first half, entering the halftime break with a 17-7 lead. Kicker Nick Folk extended the advantage 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, leaving just 59 seconds on the clock before the half ended. The second half began with Green Bay squandering a red‑zone chance on their opening drive, as Love failed to hit Christian Watson in the end zone on a fourth‑and‑one from the seven‑yard line. The Falcons answered by widening the gap to 24-7 on their next possession, capping a 10‑play, 92‑yard drive 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 spark a brief comeback, throwing a 15‑yard touchdown pass to Matthew Golden with 8:18 left on the clock.
Nevertheless, Bijan Robinson sealed the victory for Atlanta with a two‑yard touchdown run, pushing the final tally to 35-14. The game highlighted the stark contrast between the two franchises' trajectories. While the Falcons are beginning to coalesce around a healthy Penix and a dynamic rushing duo in Robinson and London, the Packers must address their injury‑plagued line, recurring penalty woes, and lack of discipline if they hope to reclaim their early‑season momentum.
Looking ahead, Atlanta aims to build on this performance, hoping that the combination of a revitalized passing game and a relentless ground attack can propel them forward in a competitive division. Green Bay, on the other hand, faces the daunting task of regrouping, shoring up its offensive line, and curbing the penalties that have already cost them dearly. 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. Viewers can also explore the latest Sky Sports subscription deals or stream games without a contract via the NOW platform.