Packers struggle on offense and defense in 35-14 loss to Falcons
Green Bay fell to Atlanta 35-14, dropping to 1-2 as the team grapples with offensive line issues, low rushing production and a high rate of pressure on quarterback Jordan Love.
The Green Bay Packers were beaten 35-14 by the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football, dropping to a 1-2 record early in the season. The Falcons amassed 498 total yards, highlighted by Bijan Robinson's 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns and Drake London's 194 receiving yards. Green Bay managed only 194 yards of offense, running the ball nine times for 17 yards and averaging 5.8 yards per pass attempt for quarterback Jordan Love.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game, "I think we've got to continue to work with these guys and try to figure out what we do well. Because right now I don't know what we're doing well offensively." He also noted that the blame should not rest solely on the offensive line, adding, "There's enough blame to go around. We've got to catch the ball better. Certainly, there's some throws I think J-Love would love to have back, just like there's some play calls I would love to have back."
The Packers' offensive line is dealing with injuries to Zach Bako-Bewele and Aaron Banks, and several players are playing out of position, including career guard Sean Rhyan at center and Jordan Morgan at left tackle. The unit allowed pressure on 42.4% of Love's dropbacks, ranking near the bottom of the league, and the team recorded a league-high nine dropped passes.
Rushing has been ineffective, with an average of 0.92 yards before contact per attempt, a figure that would have ranked 30th last season. Love has been intercepted twice and had four potential interceptions dropped. Defensively, the Falcons' running back gained 163 yards after contact, and wide receiver Drake London recorded 108 yards after the catch, indicating challenges in tackling and limiting yards after contact.
The loss follows a narrow win over the Chicago Bears and a defeat to the New York Jets, and comes as the Packers have recently extended LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst to multi-year contracts despite a late-season collapse in the previous year. Analysts suggest that without prompt improvements, the team may face significant personnel or coaching changes.