Michael Penix Jr. returned to the Atlanta Falcons’ starting lineup and immediately helped change the direction of their season.
Penix threw for 256 yards and a touchdown in his first start since suffering a torn ACL in November 2025, while Bijan Robinson rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns as Atlanta defeated the Green Bay Packers 35-14 at Lambeau Field. Drake London added nine catches for 194 yards as the Falcons produced 498 total yards.
The victory moved Atlanta to 1-2, while Green Bay also dropped to 1-2 after its offense struggled to keep pace. The Falcons erased an early 7-0 deficit by scoring 27 consecutive points and turned Penix’s long-awaited return into a dominant road victory.
Penix entered Thursday night as the biggest storyline after missing the first two games while completing his recovery from the torn ACL.
The long layoff was noticeable early, but Penix settled into the game as Atlanta’s offense began finding its rhythm. He finished with 256 passing yards and a touchdown while consistently getting the ball into the hands of his biggest playmakers.
Most importantly, Penix did not need to carry the entire offense himself. Atlanta’s running game and passing attack both produced explosive plays, giving the quarterback the support needed during his first regular-season start of 2026.
The result was exactly what the Falcons needed after opening the season 0-2.
Bijan Robinson was arguably the biggest difference-maker of the night.
Robinson rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns, helping Atlanta overwhelm a Green Bay defense that struggled to slow the Falcons’ ground game. He also finished with more than 200 scrimmage yards, giving Atlanta consistent production throughout the game.
The Falcons finished with 242 rushing yards compared with only 17 for Green Bay. That massive difference allowed Atlanta to control the line of scrimmage and keep the Packers’ offense on the sideline.
Robinson’s performance also took pressure away from Penix. Instead of asking the returning quarterback to throw on every important down, Atlanta could repeatedly turn to its star running back and force Green Bay to defend the entire field.
Drake London also delivered one of the best performances of his career.
London caught nine passes for 194 yards, repeatedly creating problems for Green Bay’s secondary. His production gave Penix a reliable downfield option and helped Atlanta generate explosive plays throughout the night.
The connection between Penix and London was particularly important because Atlanta entered the game needing more production from its passing attack. Through the first two games, the Falcons had struggled to consistently move the ball and had not reached the red zone.
That changed dramatically against Green Bay.
Before Thursday night, Atlanta had been the only NFL offense without a red-zone appearance through two games. The Falcons finally broke through against Green Bay and repeatedly finished drives with touchdowns.
Atlanta scored 27 unanswered points after the Packers opened the game with a touchdown. That stretch turned a competitive game into a comfortable Falcons lead and forced Green Bay to chase points for the remainder of the night.
The difference was Atlanta’s ability to finish drives. Penix, Robinson and London all contributed to an offense that looked completely different from the unit that struggled during the opening two weeks.
Green Bay’s offense struggled to find the same rhythm.
The Packers managed only 17 rushing yards, while Atlanta’s defense consistently put pressure on an offense missing several important players. Green Bay eventually scored 14 points, but it could not generate enough sustained production after falling behind.
The absence of wide receiver Jayden Reed also affected Green Bay’s offensive options. Reed was among the Packers’ inactive players, along with offensive linemen Aaron Banks and Zach Bako-Bewele and defensive tackles Warren Brinson and Anthony Campbell.
Jordan Love and the Packers therefore faced an Atlanta defense that was able to focus more attention on limiting the remaining offensive threats. Once the Falcons built their lead, Green Bay had few answers.
The biggest takeaway from the game was how different Atlanta looked with Penix under center.
The Falcons had scored only 16 points across their first two games and had struggled to reach the red zone. Against Green Bay, they produced 498 total yards and scored 35 points.
Penix’s return did not magically solve every issue, but it gave Atlanta a quarterback capable of pushing the ball downfield while also allowing Robinson and London to play major roles.
The balance was the key. Green Bay had to account for Robinson’s rushing ability, London’s presence outside and Penix’s arm. That combination created opportunities across the offense.
One game does not settle every question surrounding Penix, especially after such a long recovery.
However, Thursday night provided an important first step. Penix looked increasingly comfortable as the game progressed, and Atlanta’s offense produced its most complete performance of the season.
The Falcons now have evidence that their offense can function differently with Penix leading it. Robinson remains a major part of the attack, London can create explosive plays, and Penix can distribute the ball while giving the passing game a vertical dimension.
For a team that began 0-2, that development could be significant as Atlanta moves forward.
The victory also ended a notable Green Bay streak.
The Falcons did it in convincing fashion, too. They did not rely on a late comeback or a final possession. After falling behind 7-0, Atlanta scored 27 straight points and controlled the game from there.
For Penix, Robinson and London, it turned a difficult opening to the season into a memorable night at Lambeau Field.
Michael Penix Jr.’s return could not have gone much better for Atlanta.
The Falcons defeated the Packers 35-14, produced 498 total yards and finally showed the offensive explosiveness that had been missing during their 0-2 start. Penix threw for 256 yards and a touchdown, while Bijan Robinson and Drake London each produced 194 yards in their respective roles.
Atlanta’s biggest improvement was its balance. Robinson dominated on the ground, London consistently created separation through the air, and Penix distributed the ball while settling into his first start since his ACL injury.
The Falcons still have plenty to prove over the rest of the season, but Thursday night provided a clear sign of what this offense can look like when its key pieces are on the field together.
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