The Packers offense once again sputtered out, as the Atlanta Falcons dismantled Green Bay by a score of 35-14 at Lambeau Field on Sept. 24.
The loss for the Packers gives Green Bay its first home opener loss in the last 11 seasons. This loss also marks the first time the Packers have started a season 1-2 since 2014.
The Atlanta Falcons rode a strong run game to the victory, with its superstar running back Bijan Robinson finishing the game with 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries. Backup Brian Robinson also added 50 yards and a touchdown on 10 rushes.
While Robinson is an elite talent at the running back position, the 242 rushing yards given up by the Packers defense appears to be a bit of an outlier, given that the team had only given up 174 rushing yards through the first two weeks.
“Obviously (Bijan Robinson) is a good running back, which isn’t an excuse,” said Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. “I think we had a great plan; it is just about execution at the end of the day.”
The game looked like it was going to go Green Bay’s way early, as Falcons quarterback Michael Penix, who was seeing his first start of the season, threw an interception to Xavier McKinney on the fourth play of the game. Even though the Packers were not able to do anything with the strong field position, the Packers got on the board first on the back of Christian Watson’s fourth touchdown reception of the season.
Facing third-and-11 on the Falcons ensuing drive, Packers pass rusher Brenton Cox forced heavy pressure on Penix, causing an incompletion, but a questionable roughing the passer call gave Atlanta a first down. That first down set up a 55-yard Bijan Robinson rush before he finished the drive off with a touchdown.
More than just giving up a touchdown on the drive, the roughing the passer call seemed to take the wind out of Green Bay’s sails, as from that point on, Atlanta outscored Green Bay 35-7.
As a whole, the Falcons totaled 498 total yards, compared to Green Bay’s 328 as the Packers were only able to total 17 rushing yards, while Jordan Love was hit 12 times, sacked once and Atlanta finished with three tackles for a loss.
“I think that we have to continue to work with these guys and try to figure out what we do well, because right now I don’t know what we are doing well offensively,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, on how to fix the offensive line. “I think that we can all see the benefit of having a strong rushing attack – how you can get into normal rhythm on offense and that will open a lot of things in the passing game, but anytime you drop back (53) times in a game and you have nine rushes, it is usually not going to bode well for you.”
Penix finished the game completing 18-of-25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Austin Hooper was on the receiving end of Penix’s touchdown pass, as the tight end finished with 11 yards on two receptions. It was Drake London though who had his biggest day of the season, recording 194 yards on nine receptions.
In another game where Green Bay’s offense struggled to get going, Love finished the game completing 28-of-53 passes for 312 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Matthew Golden led the team in receiving in the game, totaling 100 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. Watson added another 96 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions.
In the run game, MarShawn Lloyd totaled 11 yards on four rushes, while Kaleb Johnson added six yards.
“It is a very disappointing feeling right now, you know how we went out and played today,” said Love. “Like I said, myself to start. A lot of stuff to improve on, to get better at and to look at.”
Because it played on Thursday, Green Bay will get an extra three days of rest before taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Week 4 matchup.
It was 194 times 2 when the Packers lost to the Falcons. Receiver Drake London (5) caught five passes for 194 yards including this 68-yard reception in which he shoves cornerback Brandon Cisse out of the way. Running back Bijan Robinson carried the ball for 194 yards and two touchdowns. His longest run was for 55 yards. (Greg Mellis | Green & Gold Express)
Bijan Robinson (7) is pushed out of bounds by Javon Bullard after gaining 31 yards on a third quarter run. His 194 total yards is more than the Packers have in their first three games. (Greg Mellis | Green & Gold Express)
What’s the plan? Packers President Ed Policy, general manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFluer had high hopes (and new contracts) to begin the year. Instead, the season has given way to a disastrous start. An embarrassing home opener leaves the Packers at the bottom of the division with many roster questions. (Greg Mellis | Green & Gold Express)
