Packers fall 35-14 to Falcons in home opener

The Green Bay Packers lost 35-14 to the Atlanta Falcons in their home opener on Thursday, September 24, falling to 1-2 after Atlanta overwhelmed them on the ground and took control following an early Green Bay lead. The defeat came as the Packers were already dealing with absences and injuries across the roster, and drew boos from the Lambeau Field crowd during much of the second half. Atlanta outgained Green Bay 242-17 in rushing yards. Bijan Robinson ran for 194 yards and two touchdowns, while the Falcons averaged 5.9 yards per carry. The Packers had allowed an average of 2.9 yards per carry through their first two games, but could not sustain that defensive performance against Atlanta. Green Bay led 7-0 when defensive lineman Brenton Cox Jr. was penalized for roughing the passer on a third-down incompletion. The penalty extended Atlanta’s drive, which ended in a tying touchdown. The Falcons then built a lead that reached 27-7 by the fourth quarter. The Packers committed 26 penalties through their first two games, the most in the NFL over that span, according to game coverage.