NFL Week 3
Falcons Beat Packers 35–14 as Michael Penix Jr. Returns in Style
The Atlanta Falcons finally found the offense they had been looking for. Returning quarterback Michael Penix Jr. helped spark a dramatic turnaround as Atlanta defeated the Green Bay Packers 35–14 at Lambeau Field on Thursday night.
Green Bay opened the game with a 7–0 lead, but Atlanta responded with 27 consecutive points and took control of the matchup. The Falcons finished with 498 total yards, while Bijan Robinson and Drake London each produced 194 yards in a remarkable offensive performance.
Atlanta Turned a Slow Start Into a Rout
The game did not begin the way Atlanta wanted. Michael Penix Jr. threw an interception on his third pass, and Green Bay converted its early opportunity into a touchdown to take a 7–0 lead.
The Falcons quickly changed the direction of the game. Bijan Robinson broke a 55-yard run on the possession after a Green Bay defensive penalty, then finished the drive with a short touchdown run to tie the score.
From there, Atlanta's offense became increasingly difficult for Green Bay to contain. The Falcons scored 27 unanswered points, moving from a seven-point deficit to a 27–7 advantage before the Packers finally found the end zone again in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta's 27-point scoring run completely changed the game after Green Bay had taken the early lead.
Michael Penix Jr. Gives Atlanta's Offense a Different Look
Penix's return was one of the biggest storylines entering the game, and his performance became an important part of Atlanta's turnaround.
After the early interception, Penix settled down and finished 18 of 25 passing for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also connected with his main playmakers repeatedly as Atlanta controlled the game through both the air and on the ground.
His return was particularly significant because Atlanta had scored only 16 points combined during its first two games while using backup quarterbacks. The Falcons had also gone their first two games without running a play inside an opponent's red zone.
That changed quickly against Green Bay. Atlanta repeatedly reached scoring territory and converted those opportunities into points.
Bijan Robinson Was the Engine of the Falcons' Offense
If Penix's return provided the spark, Bijan Robinson supplied much of the power.
Robinson carried the ball 29 times for 194 yards and two touchdowns. His night included explosive runs of 55 and 31 yards, and he repeatedly created favorable situations for the Falcons' offense.
His production also showed how much Atlanta benefited from having its starting quarterback back. With Penix capable of threatening Green Bay through the air, the Packers had to account for more than just Robinson in the running game.
29 carries · 2 rushing touchdowns
Drake London Matched Robinson's 194 Yards
Robinson was not the only Atlanta player who produced a huge statistical night.
Drake London caught nine passes for 194 yards, including receptions of 68 and 40 yards. His 194 receiving yards were a career high and gave Penix a major target throughout the game.
The combination was difficult for Green Bay to handle. Robinson repeatedly created problems on the ground while London stretched the defense through the passing game.
The result was an Atlanta offense that looked dramatically different from the unit that had struggled during the opening two weeks.
Green Bay Could Not Establish Its Running Game
The Packers had opportunities to stay in the game, but their offense struggled to maintain balance.
Green Bay finished with only 17 rushing yards. Jordan Love was forced to carry much of the offensive workload and completed 28 of 53 passes for 312 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
The lack of a consistent running game allowed Atlanta's defense to focus heavily on the passing attack. Green Bay also struggled to capitalize on several scoring opportunities.
The Packers missed a field-goal opportunity after Atlanta blocked the attempt, and another promising drive ended when Green Bay failed to convert on fourth down near the goal line.
The Numbers Explain the Difference
| Category | Falcons | Packers |
|---|---|---|
| Total yards | 498 | 328 |
| Rushing yards | 242 | 17 |
| First downs | 25 | 18 |
| Time of possession | 37:05 | 22:55 |
| Third-down efficiency | 6-of-10 | — |
The yardage difference tells much of the story. Atlanta produced 498 total yards and controlled the ball for more than 37 minutes, while Green Bay managed only 328 yards and 17 rushing yards.
Green Bay's Long Home-Opening Streak Ends
The result also ended one of the Packers' notable home-opening streaks.
Green Bay had won 13 consecutive home openers from 2013 through 2025. The Falcons ended that run with their 35–14 victory at Lambeau Field.
Both teams now sit at 1–2 after three games, making the result important beyond a single Thursday night matchup.
What the Win Means for Atlanta
Atlanta entered the night searching for answers after a difficult opening stretch. The return of Penix gave the offense a clear focal point, but the biggest change was how effectively the Falcons used their entire group of playmakers.
Robinson created explosive plays on the ground. London consistently won through the air. Penix distributed the ball and recovered from his early mistake. Together, those pieces produced Atlanta's first win of the season.
The performance does not erase the Falcons' first two games, but it gives the team a much more productive performance to build on.
What Comes Next for Green Bay
Green Bay leaves its home opener with a 1–2 record and several areas to address, particularly its rushing production and offensive consistency.
The Packers were able to move the ball through the air at times, but the offense became too dependent on Jordan Love. Without a reliable running game, Atlanta's defense was able to put additional pressure on the passing attack.
Green Bay's next game is against Tampa Bay on October 4, while Atlanta is scheduled to face New Orleans on October 5.
The Bigger Picture
Atlanta's 35–14 win was more than a simple change in the standings. It was a dramatic contrast to the team's opening two weeks.
Penix returned from injury, Robinson produced 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns, London recorded 194 receiving yards, and the Falcons' offense generated 498 total yards.
For Green Bay, the night exposed problems that will need attention before the Packers return to action. For Atlanta, it provided an early-season reminder of what the offense can look like when its starting quarterback and top playmakers are on the field together.
Falcons vs. Packers: Quick Questions
```Atlanta defeated Green Bay 35–14 at Lambeau Field on September 24, 2026.
Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his return.
Robinson rushed for 194 yards on 29 carries and scored two touchdowns.
London caught nine passes for 194 yards, a career-high receiving total.
Both Atlanta and Green Bay are 1–2 after three games.
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