The Atlanta Falcons used their rushing game and a strong defensive performance to defeat the Green Bay Packers 35-14 Thursday night at Lambeau Field. The Packers started off quickly, gaining a 7-0 lead in the first quarter after quarterback Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson for a 4-yard touchdown. Atlanta responded later in the quarter after Bijan Robinson scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown. He had a 55-yard rush on the same drive.
The Falcons quickly took control in the second quarter. Kicker Nick Folk made a 44-yard field goal and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. connected with Austin Hooper for a 5-yard touchdown. Atlanta entered halftime with a 17-7 lead. Bijan was the biggest offensive contributor for the Falcons. He finished the game with 194 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns.
Photo Cred: USA Today
He started off quickly, and his 55-yard rushing run set the tone early for the Atlanta rushing game. Wide Receiver Drake London also had a huge performance. London had nine receptions for 194 yards, including a 68-yard reception. His dominant performance helped Atlanta maintain a great passing game.
Penix Jr. made his return to the lineup after a torn ACL last year. He started to warm up after his first two drives and completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Atlanta extended its lead in the third quarter when Brian Robinson scored on a 7-yard rushing touchdown. After, they made a field goal to make it a 27-7 advantage.
Green Bay made an attempt to come back in the final period when Love connected with Matthew Golden for a 15-yard touchdown. The Falcons, however, answered quickly when Bijan scored again on a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Atlanta made the two-point conversion to make it 35-14. Love finished with 312 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
But the Packers can’t find a rushing attack this year. Green Bay had 17 rushing yards on nine attempts. Atlanta finished with 498 total yards, while Green Bay finished with 328. The Falcons also controlled the clock with 37 minutes. This kept the Packers offense off the field for a good portion of the game.
This win makes the Falcons 1-2 on the season, and the Packers are now also 1-2. The Falcons won this game due to Bijan’s rushing performance, London’s dominant receiving, and Penix’s efficiency. This allowed them to pull away and gain some momentum into their next game.
