I needed this one.
After what happened against the Carolina Panthers last week, I honestly did not even want to write about the Atlanta Falcons. Losing is one thing. Getting beat 34-3 at home is something completely different. Atlanta turned the ball over five times, and the offense never found a rhythm.
I was frustrated. I was disappointed. And as a true Falcons fan, I just wanted to forget that game happened.
But Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers? This was a different football team.
Atlanta walked into Lambeau Field and won 35-14, improving to 1-2 on the season. After starting 0-2, this felt like a game the Falcons simply had to have.
And they showed up.
The Rough Start Had Me Nervous
I will admit, the beginning had me worried.
Michael Penix . threw an interception on Atlanta’s first drive, Green Bay scored first, and I immediately started thinking, “Here we go again.”
But something felt different.
Instead of falling apart, Atlanta responded.
Bijan Robinson broke loose for a huge 55 yard run and later scored to tie the game. By halftime, Atlanta had taken a 17-7 lead.
Then the Falcons kept their foot on the gas.
Bijan finished with an incredible 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Drake London added 194 receiving yards, and Penix settled down after his early mistake to throw for 256 yards and a touchdown.
Atlanta finished with 498 total yards.
That is the Atlanta Falcons offense I have been waiting to see.
Give This Defense Some Respect
I have said it before… I believe this Falcons defense is better than some of the scores have made it look.
Last week, I felt like the defense eventually got worn down because the offense kept putting them in bad situations.
Against Green Bay, they finally had some help.
The Packers finished with just 17 rushing yards, and Atlanta forced Jordan Love and the Packers to depend almost completely on the passing game.
When the offense, defense, and special teams are all doing their jobs, suddenly this team looks completely different.
My Biggest Concern Is Still Penix
I was happy to see Michael Penix Jr. back, especially knowing the road he has taken to return from another ACL injury.
But I am still nervous.
Atlanta has to protect this man.
Penix showed Thursday night why the Falcons believe in him. Once he settled down, the offense opened up in a way we had not seen during the first two games.
That also means Atlanta needs to make sure there is a strong backup plan behind him. Injuries happen and with Penix’s history, quarterback depth cannot be ignored.
Maybe This Is the Start
I am not ready to get carried away.
I’m a Falcons fan. I’ve learned my lesson haha
But going from a 34-3 embarrassment against Carolina to beating Green Bay 35-14 at Lambeau Field is one heck of a response.
Just imagine going into Week 4 at 0-3 after the way last week ended.
Instead, Atlanta is 1-2, Penix is back, Bijan looks dangerous, London exploded, and the defense continues to show that it can compete.
Tonight, I’m celebrating.
Now let’s see if they can build on it.
