The Atlanta Falcons earned their first win of the season.
The Atlanta Falcons earned their first victory of the season on Thursday Night on the road against the Green Bay Packers in the kind of dominant fashion not a whole lot of folks saw coming.
Hammering Green Bay by three touchdowns in their own building, the return of Michael Penix Jr. to the Falcons did indeed change everything in the 35-14 victory. Despite things getting off to a very shaky start including an interception on the first drive and some very inaccurate passes on the first couple of drives, Penix was able to shake it off and settle into the game to lead a couple of touchdown drives in the first half.
Things were of course made easier by a massive night from superstar running back Bijan Robinson looking seemingly unstoppable every time he toted the rock, carrying the ball 29 times for 194 yards and two touchdowns. Brian Robinson Jr. had a nice night when called upon as well with 10 rushes for 50 yards and a touchdown of his own.
Atlanta did exactly what it needed to do with Penix, not asking him to do too much in his return from the torn ACL suffered in November and allowing him to shake the rust off and find his footing. He threw the ball just 25 times, completing 18 of them for 256 yards with a first half touchdown and just the lone interception on the first drive.
Drake London had a huge night of his own, racking up 194 yards on nine receptions as his elite chemistry with Penix picked up right where it left off.
Where Falcons Go from Here Moving Forward
After a much-needed victory to avoid the 0-3 hole, Atlanta has a little bit of a mini bye here after playing on Thursday night and not playing again until next Monday night. The stakes get very high there though, returning to the road for a primetime showdown against their most hated rival New Orleans Saints.
Thus far, the Saints have looked formidable with a close near comeback loss against the Detroit Lions in Week 1 before a comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. They will host the Las Vegas Raiders this weekend which Atlanta will be watching closely.
Perhaps this is the start of a serious run of success for this Falcons team which all of the sudden has some momentum after a devastating start to the year.
