How the Falcons’ Run Game Overwhelmed the Packers and Gave Atlanta Its First Win
Summary: This article explains how the Falcons went from two weeks of stalled offense to a 242-yard rushing night against Green Bay, with Bijan Robinson’s 194 yards carrying Atlanta to a 35–14 win.
Two weeks of offense stuck in neutral
Through Atlanta’s first two games, the offense could not get going. The Falcons ranked 29th in total offense at 262 yards per game and last in scoring with 16 points. They did not run a single play in the red zone in that span, a drought The Guardian noted was the first of its kind since the 2008 Rams. Bijan Robinson, the running back expected to drive the attack, had 37 carries for 80 yards in those games.
Thursday night flipped that script.
A 242-yard answer
With Michael Penix Jr. back at quarterback, the Falcons went from 16 total points over two games to 35 in one night. According to game reports from The Guardian and NBC Sports, Atlanta outrushed Green Bay 242 yards to 17. Robinson did most of the work. He carried 29 times for 194 yards and two touchdowns. After falling behind 7–0, Atlanta scored 27 unanswered points and left Lambeau Field with a 35–14 win. It was the team’s first victory of the season.
Robinson was not alone. Drake London caught nine passes for 194 yards. The Guardian noted that Robinson and London became the first teammates to each compile at least 150 yards from scrimmage against the Packers at Lambeau Field. As a team, Atlanta outgained Green Bay 498 yards to 328 and converted 6 of 10 third downs.
Where the Packers’ ground game disappeared
Green Bay had no answer on the other side of the ball. MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson combined for 17 yards on eight carries. Quarterback Jordan Love threw for 312 yards on 28-of-53 passing, with two touchdowns and an interception. That passing production kept the score closer than the rushing gap suggested, but the imbalance was the story. NBC Sports reported it was the Packers’ first home-opening loss since 2012.
The offensive line was shorthanded. The Packers were without left guard Aaron Banks, and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele missed the game after tearing his patellar tendon the previous Sunday. The injury ended his season.
What the game shows about Atlanta’s offense
The Falcons adjusted a rushing attack that had looked broken in the first two weeks. Robinson got the ball early and often, and the Packers could not slow him. London’s receiving day created a second gear. That combination, rather than any single gadget play, produced the blowout.
The result also gave Atlanta a clear formula: feed Robinson, move the chains on third down, and let the passing game feed off the run. After entering the game ranked last in scoring, the Falcons left with 35 points and a road win against a team that rarely loses its home opener. The run game was the difference.