Michael Penix Jr. made an impressive return from a torn ACL on Thursday night, helping the Atlanta Falcons defeat the Green Bay Packers 35-14 at Lambeau Field.
Penix threw for 256 yards and a touchdown in his first NFL appearance since suffering the knee injury last November. His return also helped Atlanta’s offense produce its most productive performance of the young season.
The Falcons overcame an early deficit and scored 27 consecutive points to take control of the game. Atlanta finished with 498 total yards and dominated Green Bay on the ground.
Michael Penix Jr. Makes Strong Return
Penix’s return was one of the biggest storylines heading into Thursday night’s game.
The Atlanta quarterback had not played since tearing the ACL in his left knee during a game against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 16, 2025. After missing the opening two games of the 2026 season, he was cleared to return against Green Bay.
Penix initially struggled, throwing an interception on Atlanta’s opening possession. He settled down quickly, however, completing 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
His performance gave the Falcons an offensive spark after they had scored only 16 points combined during their first two games.
Bijan Robinson Leads Atlanta’s Ground Attack
While Penix’s return attracted much of the attention, running back Bijan Robinson delivered one of the game’s biggest performances.
Robinson rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, repeatedly breaking through the Green Bay defense.
Atlanta finished with approximately 244 rushing yards, compared with only 17 yards on the ground for Green Bay.
The Falcons’ running game helped keep the Packers’ defense on the field and opened opportunities for Penix in the passing game.
Drake London Also Has a Huge Night
Atlanta wide receiver Drake London was another major contributor.
London caught nine passes for 194 yards, giving the Falcons two offensive players with 194 yards in the same game.
His production created problems for a Packers secondary that struggled to slow Atlanta’s passing attack once Penix settled into the game.
Jordan Love Struggles Under Pressure
Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love finished with strong passing yardage but struggled to keep the Packers’ offense consistently moving.
Love completed 28 of 53 passes for 312 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Packers, however, managed only 17 rushing yards.
Atlanta’s defense also pressured Love throughout the night. ESPN reported that Love was hit 11 times, adding to the pressure on a Packers offensive line already dealing with injuries.
Green Bay was without several important players, including edge rusher Micah Parsons and running back Josh Jacobs. The offensive line was also missing starters, creating additional challenges for Love.
Packers Lose Home Opener for First Time in Years
The defeat ended Green Bay’s remarkable run in home openers.
The Packers had won 13 consecutive home-opening games entering Thursday night, dating back to 2013. Atlanta’s victory ended that streak with a convincing 21-point win.
Green Bay started the game positively, taking a 7-0 lead, but Atlanta responded with a long scoring drive and gradually took control.
The Falcons led 17-7 at halftime and continued extending their advantage after the break.
Atlanta’s Offense Finally Finds Its Rhythm
The contrast between Atlanta’s first two games and Thursday night’s performance was significant.
The Falcons had struggled to generate offense while using backup quarterbacks during the opening weeks of the season. With Penix back under center, Atlanta moved the ball effectively both through the air and on the ground.
The Falcons produced 25 first downs and converted 6 of 10 third-down opportunities, while controlling the ball for more than 37 minutes.
That balance allowed Atlanta to consistently put pressure on the Packers’ defense.
Green Bay Faces Questions After 1-2 Start
The Packers now sit at 1-2 after three games.
Their offensive struggles are particularly notable. Green Bay has rushed for just 146 total yards through its first three games, according to ESPN, its lowest three-game rushing total to begin a season since 1933.
The Packers also failed on all four of their fourth-down attempts to begin the season, according to ESPN’s research cited in its game analysis.
Green Bay will have additional time to prepare before its next game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 4.
Atlanta’s next game is scheduled for Oct. 5 against the New Orleans Saints.
What the Falcons-Packers Game Means
For Atlanta, Thursday night’s victory provided an immediate boost after a difficult start to the season. Penix’s return, Robinson’s rushing performance and London’s receiving production combined to produce the Falcons’ most complete offensive game of the season.
For Green Bay, the 35-14 defeat highlighted problems with the running game, offensive line and defensive tackling.
The NFL season remains in its early stages, but both teams now have clear areas to address as they prepare for their next games.
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