Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) runs drills during an NFL football training...
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) runs drills during an NFL football training camp practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - The Green Bay Packers this week face an Atlanta Falcons offense led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is making his season debut after suffering a torn ACL last year.
Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin said the focus remains on Green Bay’s own performance regardless of who Atlanta has at quarterback.
“You know, he’s been preparing and, you know, again, I really think it’s more about us,” Franklin said. “It doesn’t matter who they have at quarterback again. I think if we do our job and we play the type of ball we’re supposed to play, we’ll be successful.”
Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper said the defense needs to affect Penix and the rest of Atlanta’s offense.
“Just gotta, you know, affect him,” Cooper said. “You know, he hasn’t played in a while. Just gotta affect the quarterback, affect the running back, affect everyone.”
Robinson’s role in Atlanta’s ground game
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is averaging over four yards a carry this season. Robinson faced the Packers as a rookie two years ago and finished that game with 172 all-purpose yards.
“He’s a great player,” Franklin said. “You know, like I say, he’s got elite contact balance. You know, he just does a great job setting up his blocks and playing at O-line. He’s been playing together for a while. You know, definitely a great challenge for us this week.”
Cooper said he plans to focus on his own performance against Atlanta’s offense.
“Just gotta do my job,” Cooper said. “I’m gonna do me, believe in myself and my capabilities. You know, it’s great players all over. But, you know, it’s just... When it’s game time, it’s man versus man.”
Rushing numbers for both teams
The Falcons rank seventh in the NFL in rushing offense. The Packers rank second in rushing yards allowed, trailing the top-ranked team by one yard.
Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon said the defense’s rush performance comes down to fundamentals.
“You know, it comes down to alignment, assignment, key, and technique,” Gannon said. “And I use the term change the math. That goes into our play style. So, on paper, that O is blocking that X, but they don’t account for that X beating that O. So, our guys are doing a good job of that.”