Bijan Robinson delivered an impressive performance, amassing 194 rushing yards and finding 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 rallied from an early 7-0 deficit, scoring 27 unanswered points while enduring a chorus of boos from the Lambeau Field crowd. Atlanta, now 1-2 on the season, capitalized on the return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who made his first appearance since suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during a November 16 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, adding one touchdown and one interception. His comeback was a relief for a Falcons offense that had struggled to generate momentum in the first two weeks, when backup quarterback Cooper Rush was at the helm. The Falcons' ground game was dominant, outgaining the Packers 242 yards to 17.
Robinson’s 194-yard rushing effort was complemented by wide receiver Drake London, who became the first teammate in Falcons history to each record at least 150 yards from scrimmage against the Packers at Lambeau Field. London hauled in nine receptions for 194 yards, providing a balanced attack that kept Green Bay’s defense on its heels.
For Green Bay, the loss marked the first home opener defeat since a 30-22 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 2012, ending a streak of 13 consecutive home opener victories that tied the NFL record set by the Miami Dolphins between 1976 and 1988. The Packers, also 1-2, were led by quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 312 yards on 28 of 53 attempts, delivering two touchdowns but also an interception.
Their offensive line was hampered by injuries, missing left guard Aaron Banks, who was dealing with a toe issue, and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele, who suffered a torn patellar tendon and was ruled out for the season. Rookie Jager Burton, a fifth‑round pick from Kentucky, stepped in at left guard, while 2025 second‑rounder Anthony Belton started at right tackle.
Discipline issues resurfaced for Green Bay, echoing the problems that plagued them in the opening two games. After taking an early 7-0 lead, the Packers appeared to force a third‑and‑11 incompletion late in the first quarter, but a roughing‑the‑passer penalty on Brenton Cox Jr. nullified the play. On the very next snap, Robinson broke free for a 55‑yard run that set up his own three‑yard touchdown, swinging momentum firmly toward Atlanta.
The Packers have been penalized an NFL‑high 26 times in their first two weeks, a trend that continued Thursday and contributed to their inability to sustain drives. Robinson’s long run also gave Atlanta its first red‑zone snap inside the opponent’s 20‑yard line this season—a notable milestone, as the Falcons were the first team since the 2008 Rams to go two weeks without a red‑zone play.
Atlanta continued to dominate the first half, entering the break with a 17-7 lead. Kicker Nick Folk extended the advantage with a 44‑yard field goal with 4:48 left in the second quarter. After a blocked 47‑yard attempt by Zach Harrison, 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 halftime. The second half began with Green Bay squandering a red‑zone chance on their opening drive; Love’s pass to Christian Watson fell incomplete on fourth‑and‑one from the seven-yard line.
Atlanta responded by widening the gap to 24-7 on the next possession, as Brian Robinson (not to be confused with Bijan) punched in a seven‑yard touchdown after a methodical 10‑play, 92‑yard drive. Folk added a 31‑yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, pushing the lead to 27-7. Love managed to spark a brief rally, throwing a 15‑yard touchdown pass to Matthew Golden with 8:18 remaining, but the Falcons answered swiftly.
Bijan Robinson capped the scoring with a two‑yard plunge, sealing a 35-14 triumph. The game also highlighted the Falcons’ strategic adjustments under head coach Arthur Smith, who emphasized a balanced attack that leveraged Penix’s improved mobility and Robinson’s explosive running style. The combination of a revitalized passing game and a dominant rushing offense proved too much for a Packers squad still reeling from injuries and penalties. Looking ahead, the Falcons will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their season, while Green Bay must address its offensive line woes and discipline problems if they hope to break the losing streak at home.
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