The Atlanta Falcons got their first win of the season at Green Bay on Thursday Night Football. Let’s look at the winners and losers from the Falcons’ 35-14 win.
Winners:
Michael Penix Jr.:
Thursday marked Michael Penix Jr.’s return as Atlanta Falcons QB1. His return started off shaky, with an interception four plays into the first drive and a costly intentional grounding penalty. Once he settled in after a roughing-the-passer penalty extended a drive that led to a touchdown, Penix Jr. started to look like a quarterback worth the wait. Penix Jr. finished 18-25 with 256 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, with a 101.1 QBR. Not bad for his first game back with ten days to rest before Monday Night Football.
C.J. Henderson:
I initially had Drake London as the second winner, after his big breakout game with nine receptions for 194 yards. I changed my mind after remembering the play of cornerback C.J. Henderson. With A.J. Terrell Jr. sidelined by a groin injury, Henderson got more playing time and recorded eight solo tackles and three game-changing pass breakups. Henderson seems determined to make the best of his opportunity with Terrell Jr. out.
Kevin Stefanski:
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski was also a big winner tonight. He proved that the issues his new team faced in the first two weeks were quarterback-related. Having Penix Jr. back gave the offense and overall team the consistency that had been missing. Tonight was definitely a win Stefanski and company can build off of for the season.
Losers:
Jordan Love:
Jordan Love was a loser tonight, not due to his play, but as a victim of circumstance. Missing two starting offensive linemen and with his running backs able to combine for only 8 carries for 17 yards, Love had little help getting the offense going, stalling out and punting often. Unfortunately for Love, with offensive lineman Zach Bako-Bewele out for the year, tonight might be the start of his new normal.
Mike Hughes:
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes had a rough night. His first big test came on a deep ball downfield, where he was in great position. He lost track of both the ball and the receiver, resulting in a huge gain. The night did not get better for Hughes from there. At one point, Love realized that he was completing passes on Hughes’ side of the field at a high rate. With Terrell Jr.’s absence, Hughes will have to play, but it’s better on Monday Night Football.
Matt LaFleur:
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and his team are gaining a reputation of being unable to finish games. They carried that reputation into this season, where it’s been tough for them to compete, falling to a 2-1 record, with their only win coming in an overtime dogfight against the New York Jets. Fans and the media alike are already wondering about LaFleur’s job security.
