Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up prior to the during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Falcons flipped back to Michael Penix Jr. ahead of the Green Bay Packers showdown. The host team handed him a rough welcome back moment. More so during the first drive of the Thursday Night Football contest at Lambeau Field.
Atlanta's first drive imploded on this costly Penix miscue.
Penix forced the throw into more than tight coverage. But the Packers had as many as three defenders dropping back awaiting that throw. So Penix has delivered his first mistake under new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Both teams started slow offensively, however. The Falcons opening drive lasted four plays and 21 yards, eating away 1:33 on the play clock. But Green Bay never capitalized, going three-and-out on its debut offensive possession.
Atlanta punted on the subsequent possession, with its second drive going five plays but gaining just nine yards. The Packers started putting together a much longer drive for their second offensive series. Green Bay took eight plays to get into Atlanta's red zone while chewing up 83 yards. Quarterback Jordan Love faked the handoff and found wide receiver Christian Watson sneaking behind the Falcons. Love hit the wide open receiver for the game's first touchdown.
Love hit 5-of-6 passes during that scoring drive to strike first. His Packers are fresh off snapping a stunning six-game losing streak that stretched back to last season. Green Bay delivered the walk-off field goal in overtime to avoid the upset against the New York Jets in week two. Now the Packers are aiming to force Penix into multiple mistakes on TNF. Not just limited to the opening pick.