Trailing for almost the entire match, the locals snatched victory at the end of the match.
Atlanta Falcons (2-0) – Green Bay Packers (1-1): 25-24
For the first time since 2017, Atlanta starts a season with 2 victories. And it was far from obvious at the start of the fourth quarter. Manhandled for a long time, Desmond Ridder (19/32, 237 yards, 1TD, 1int; 10 races, 39 yards, 1TD) ended up finding the solution to move his team forward at the end of the game. He was well helped by Bijan Robinson (19 races, 124 yards, 4 receptions, 48 yards). The rookie continues to impress with an average of 6.5 yards per carry in this match.
On the Green Bay side, it’s a cold shower. Leading by 12 points at the start of the fourth quarter, Jordan Love (14/25, 151 yards, 3TDs) and his team seemed well on their way to winning. But the absence of Aaron Jones weighed. AJ Dillon (15 races, 55 yards) did not allow his team to eat up the clock enough, as evidenced by possession of the ball for only 24 minutes. As a result, the defense, exhausted, ended up cracking.
Green Bay in control
Struggling in the air, performing well on the ground, the two teams had a similar first half, dominated by the defenses.
The Packers strike first thanks to their rookie, Jayden Reed (4 receptions 37 yards, 2TDs). We will have to wait until the end of the second quarter to see Atlanta react. Drake London (6 receptions, 67 yards, 1TD), transparent in week 1, showed more to his advantage this Sunday and allowed the Falcons to come back to the score.
Green Bay nevertheless remains ahead with the extra point missed by Younghoe Koo, 9-10 at halftime.
Returning from the locker room, the visitors accelerate. The Packers offense rolled over the Falcons in the third quarter and scored 2 touchdowns in 2 possessions, 24-12.
Atlanta forces its destiny
With their backs to the wall, the locals begin to attempt the fourth attempts. The first of them led to Ridder’s touchdown which brought his team to 5 points.
Run it in Rider!
📺: FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/KxeCR6tXNC
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 17, 2023
A second successful fourth attempt and two field goals later, the locals passed in front and left Jordan Love only one minute to react.
But the young Packers quarterback then showed himself incapable of finding the hands of his receivers. Four attempts, four missed passes, sounding the death knell for Green Bay’s hopes.
The Falcons will try to continue their invincibility in Detroit on Sunday, while the Packers will have to react at home against New Orleans.
