Packers grapple with O-line issues and third-down woes ahead of Falcons matchup

Green Bay Packers officials said the team is working to resolve problems on the offensive line and improve its third-down efficiency before hosting the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. Left tackle Jordan Morgan, the 2024 first-round pick who has shifted among several line positions, drew criticism from offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, who noted the need for better snap-count coordination and fewer penalties after the recent win.

"He was going through some stuff this last game," Stenavich said. "You saw some better fundamentals with him. There were a few times where we’ve got to get on the same page with the snap count and stuff like that. We had some issues with that. So again, just the controllable things that we can control, like coming off on the ball, things like that, we’ve got to clean up because there were too many issues last game and we were lucky to get a win with those things, penalties and whatnot."

First-year wide receiver Matthew Golden, a 2025 first-round selection, has already accounted for 41 percent of his projected target total for next season, recording 18 targets and 10 receptions for 153 yards in two games. Head coach Matt LaFleur highlighted Golden’s improvement in route execution, citing a recent play where the receiver successfully split two defenders to gain a first down after a similar mistake the week before.

"We call it drop step," LaFleur said. "And whenever there’s two defenders, the saying is, ‘See two, split two,’ and it didn’t happen Week 1. We challenged him on it, and then he went out there and did it in this last game."

The Packers’ third-down conversion rate sits at 19 percent, the league’s lowest, largely because most attempts have been on long-yardage situations. Offensive line coach Stenavich emphasized the need for better performance on first and second downs to create more manageable third-down scenarios.

"If you look at third-and-7 and under, we’re around 50 percent. But we’ve just been third-and-8-plus it seems like every time, so we need to do a better job on first and second down in order to take care of third down. That’s the biggest problem."

In the interior line, second-round pick Anthony Belton has assumed the right-tackle role after injuries to teammates. Stenavich praised Belton’s adaptability and athleticism in the run game.

"He did a nice job. ... He stepped in and did a nice job. Expecting him to just anchor down the right side and do a great job … he’s very athletic. He can move well in space. He can come off the ball in the run game."

The Falcons will start quarterback Michael Penix Jr., prompting defensive back Evan Williams to note the limited tape on Penix’s recent play and the need to adjust the game plan accordingly. Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and cornerback Brandon Cisse warned that Atlanta’s star running back Bijan Robinson and receiver Drake London pose significant threats.

Injury updates for Thursday include the loss of offensive tackle Aaron Banks to a toe injury, wide receiver Jayden Reed with a neck injury, and questions surrounding defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Anthony Campbell.