Full Breakdown
Falcons End Packers' 13-Game Home-Opener Streak with 35-14 Victory
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Game Overview
On September 25 the Atlanta Falcons traveled to Lambeau Field and defeated the Green Bay Packers 35-14. Running back Bijan Robinson rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, while quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Falcons erased an early 7-0 deficit with a 27-point run, never looking back. Green Bay’s Jordan Love threw for 312 yards, two touchdowns and one interception but managed only 17 rushing yards on nine carries.
Background & Context
Atlanta entered the game 0-2, having scored just 16 points total and failed to run a single play inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. The offense had been led by backup quarterback Cooper Rush. The return of Penix Jr., who had missed the first two weeks while recovering from a torn ACL sustained in November 2025, was billed as the turning point.
Green Bay, also 1-2, was seeking to extend a franchise-record streak of 13 consecutive home-opener victories dating back to 2013. The loss marked the first home-opener defeat since a 30-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.
Data & Statistics
- Total yards: Atlanta 498, Green Bay 328.
- Rushing: Atlanta 242 yards (Robinson 194, Brian Robinson Jr. 48), Green Bay 17 yards.
- Receiving: Drake London (Atlanta) 9 catches for 194 yards; Jordan Love (Green Bay) 7 catches for 96 yards.
- Third-down efficiency: Atlanta 6-of-10; Green Bay 2-of-8 in the second half.
- Penalties: Green Bay committed an NFL-high 26 penalties through the first two weeks of the season.
- Key plays: Zach Harrison blocked a 47-yard field-goal attempt; Nick Folk’s 44-yard field goal gave Atlanta a 10-7 lead before halftime.
Official Statements & Responses
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Penix Jr.’s recovery, noting the quarterback’s “extra workouts” and “extra treatments” that enabled him to return to game action.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve been fighting and scratching for a long time to get back to where I’m at today,” — Michael Penix – Michael Penix Jr. on his comeback.
- “That was the weight off the shoulders - just getting back to the red zone,” — Bijan Robinson – Bijan Robinson on the impact of finally reaching the red zone.
Why It Matters
The victory snapped the Packers’ 13-game home-opener streak and gave the Falcons their first win of the season, shifting momentum after a sluggish start. Robinson’s performance made him the first player since Lawrence McCutcheon and Ron Jessie in 1976 to record at least 190 yards from scrimmage in a road game, underscoring Atlanta’s emerging ground attack.
What’s Next
The Falcons head to New Orleans for a Monday Night Football matchup later this month, while the Packers travel to Tampa Bay in the same timeframe. Both teams look to rebound from the loss and the win, respectively, as the NFC North and NFC South races tighten.