Falcons Turn to Michael Penix Jr. for Thursday Night Football Clash with Packers
Both Atlanta and Green Bay seek momentum as they face offensive questions and recent struggles heading into Week 3.
The Atlanta Falcons will start Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback for their Week 3 "Thursday Night Football" matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Penix Jr. takes over for Cooper Rush as the Falcons aim to revitalize an offense that has struggled in the early part of the season.
In their first two games, the Falcons have averaged only 8 points per contest. Their offense managed 13 points in Week 1 and a mere 3 points in Week 2 against a defense that had allowed nearly 60 points in its opening game. While the team recorded 17 first downs in their most recent outing, three turnovers contributed to their struggles. The Falcons hope that with Penix Jr. under center, they can better utilize playmakers such as Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.
The Green Bay Packers also enter Week 3 searching for consistency. They are 1-1 on the season, with their sole victory coming in a close overtime contest against the New York Jets, 20-17. Their Week 1 performance against the Minnesota Vikings saw them leading at halftime but ultimately giving up their advantage in the second half.
Concerns have been raised about the Packers' offensive capabilities, particularly regarding quarterback Jordan Love and his receiving options. With Josh Jacobs also sidelined, the offense has faced challenges.
Both teams have experienced quarterback injuries and offensive inefficiencies early in the season. The Falcons' decision to start Penix Jr. on a short week signals a desperate attempt to spark their offense against a Packers team that has also shown vulnerabilities. The matchup is expected to be a close one, with some analysts predicting a low-scoring affair, suggesting an 'under' bet on the total points for the game.