Falcons Fly High In Game Three
Wow! Who are these guys, and where have they been? Where'd those other guys go? The ones who couldn't throw, catch, run or kick... where were they on Thursday night in Green Bay?
Then again, who cares?
The guys who did show up Thursday night dominated the Packers in a 35-14 romp. The sad struggles of weeks one and two seemingly just evaporated. Post-game, Falcons' Head Coach Kevin Stefanski used the word "resilient". It fit the occasion.
Power and precision materialized in those Atlanta road uniforms and after a slightly clunky start, the Birds just took over.
The most obvious difference was, of course, QB Michael Penix. After all the intrigue, the puzzlement and the plain old irritation of the past four weeks while his health status was hotly debated, Penix got off to a rough start.
He missed two of his first three throws, and threw an interception that had Falcon fans hastily preparing their " Where's Jack Strand?" posters.
But Penix rebounded nicely, making quick and accurate throws. His ability to go downfield with the ball loosened the Packer D, which in turn opened up the run game for Atlanta.
And here's to you, Mr Robinson!
Bijan had a game for the ages, with 21 carries for 194 yards and two scores. His blend of power and elusiveness – familiar to Atlanta fans– was on full display for the country on Thursday Night Football.
His colleague Brian Robinson added 50 yards of his own, on 10 carries, one for a touchdown.
Atlanta held the ball for 37 minutes. That's unusual dominance in the NFL.
Penix distributed the ball nicely. Drake London hauled in nine throws , good for 194 yards. Six other players had at least one catch for Atlanta.
Special teams played clean as well. Nick Folk was 2 of 2 on field goals, and Atlanta blocked a Green Bay field goal attempt.
The Birds defense did a good job of containing the Packer offense, and as the margin stretched out, the passing game became more of a staple for Green Bay. Their total rush yardage was a paltry 17 yards.
Six penalties represented the biggest downside for Atlanta. Otherwise they played a complete game, the kind that makes you wonder exactly how high the ceiling is for this team.
So suddenly there is hope in Atlanta. After all, the NFL is all about mediocrity. With a 17 game season– and playing in a division where the top three teams last year each had an 8-9 record– Falcons fans have legitimate reasons to look ahead with ambition.
Next up- New Orleans on Monday night.
Patrick Conarro
RamblinSports.com