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Michael Penix Jr.'s return changed just about everything for the Atlanta Falcons.
Nobody benefited more than Drake London.
London erupted for a career-high 194 receiving yards Thursday night as Atlanta cruised past the Green Bay Packers, 35-14, at Lambeau Field. The Falcons receiver caught nine of his 10 targets and produced a 68-yard reception during a performance that Green Bay simply couldn't solve.
It was an enormous turnaround for London and Atlanta's passing game.
Drake London gives Michael Penix Jr. a dominant target
London entered Thursday with only six receptions for 80 yards through Atlanta's first two games. He more than doubled that yardage total in one night.
Got that win for y’all pic.twitter.com/Hujv0mCvgL
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 25, 2026Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his return to the starting lineup. London accounted for 194 of those yards.
The combination was only one part of Green Bay's problem.
Bijan Robinson rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries while adding 19 receiving yards. That meant Green Bay had to choose between committing additional defenders to Robinson or leaving London with favorable matchups downfield.
Neither option worked.
Robinson and London combined for more than 400 yards from scrimmage. Atlanta finished with 498 total yards after entering the game ranked 29th in the NFL in total offense at 262 yards per game. The Falcons also had not taken a single snap in the red zone through their first two games.
That changed Thursday dramatically. Atlanta reached the end zone five times.
MORE: Bijan Robinson explodes for 194 yards as Falcons embarrass Packers on Thursday Night Football
Quarterback return to the field
Penix's return deserves plenty of attention, but the bigger development might be what his presence allowed Atlanta's two best skill-position players to become.
Robinson looked like one of the NFL's elite running backs. London looked like a true No. 1 receiver.
Atlanta is only 1-2.
Thursday offered the first real glimpse of what its offense might become.
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