Falcons Crush Packers in Dominant Win Michael Penix Jr. waited months for his chance to return to the Atlanta Falcons lineup, and the comeback could hardly have been more memorable. Penix started Thursday night at Lambeau Field after recovering from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season, helping Atlanta overpower the Green Bay Packers 35-14.
The Falcons entered the game 0-2 after struggling badly on offense in their opening two games. Against Green Bay, however, the attack looked completely different. Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his first regular-season action since the injury.
Falcons Turn the Game Around Quickly
Green Bay opened the scoring with a touchdown, but Atlanta responded and gradually took control. After the Packers went ahead 7-0, the Falcons scored 27 consecutive points, turning an early deficit into a comfortable lead.
The biggest difference was Atlanta’s ability to run the football. The Falcons finished with 242 rushing yards compared with just 17 for Green Bay. That balance allowed Penix to operate without carrying the entire offense on his shoulders and kept the Packers defense under constant pressure.
Bijan Robinson Delivers a Huge Night
Bijan Robinson was the biggest offensive star of the evening. The Falcons running back rushed 29 times for 194 yards and two touchdowns, repeatedly breaking through the Packers defense for major gains. His performance gave Atlanta the physical edge it had been missing during the first two weeks.
Drake London was equally important through the air. He caught nine passes for 194 yards, giving Atlanta two players with 194 yards from scrimmage in the same game. Their production helped turn Penix’s return into a complete offensive performance rather than a one-player comeback story.
Green Bay Struggles to Find an Answer
The Packers had few answers once Atlanta established control. Jordan Love threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns, but Green Bay struggled to establish a running game, finishing with only 17 rushing yards on nine attempts.
That imbalance forced Love to throw repeatedly as Atlanta’s defense concentrated on the passing game. Green Bay managed only 328 total yards, compared with 498 for the Falcons, and lost its home opener for the first time since 2012.
A Major Boost for Atlanta’s Season
The victory moved Atlanta to 1-2 and ended a difficult opening stretch that had raised serious questions about the offense. The Falcons had failed to reach the red zone in their first two games, but Thursday night they repeatedly created scoring opportunities against Green Bay.
Penix did not produce a perfect performance, particularly with the interception, but his ability to stay composed and distribute the ball gave Atlanta a clear spark. More importantly, Robinson and London showed how much stronger the offense can look when the quarterback position is settled.
What Comes Next for the Falcons
Atlanta will now have to prove that Thursday night was more than a one-game surge. Penix’s return provides the Falcons with continuity at quarterback, while Robinson and London give him two explosive weapons capable of changing a game quickly.
The Packers, meanwhile, fall to 1-2 after a disappointing home performance. Their inability to run the ball and keep Atlanta’s defense off balance will be among the biggest issues to address before their next game. For the Falcons, the challenge is different: turn the confidence from Lambeau Field into consistent production over the rest of the season.
FAQ
When did Michael Penix Jr. return for the Falcons?
Penix returned as Atlanta’s starting quarterback against Green Bay on September 24, 2026, making his first NFL start since suffering his ACL injury in November 2025.
How did Bijan Robinson perform against the Packers?
Robinson rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, leading Atlanta’s powerful ground attack.
What was the final Falcons vs. Packers score?
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Green Bay Packers 35-14 at Lambeau Field on Thursday night.