Falcons dominate Packers in win 34-23

By: Lucas Kochevar

     The Atlanta Falcons finally opened up the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first regular season home game. They faced off against the Green Bay Packers. This was the rematch of the NFC Championship game, which Atlanta won easily. The Falcons came in after a tight win against the Bears. Meanwhile, The Packers are coming off an easy win against the Seattle Seahawks. 

     Green Bay won the coin toss and deferred to the Falcons and Atlanta made them pay as they marched down the field with ease. The Packers came out strong as well as they managed to score and tie the game. After this, Green Bay struggled to move the ball and Atlanta would shut them out the whole second quarter. Atlanta kept firing on offense and would score 17 points and go up at halftime 24-7.

     In the second half, the Packers received the ball, but disaster struck as Aaron Rodgers was rocked by Vic Beasley and the ball went flying and eventually Desmond Trufant would recover the ball and return it for a touchdown. This would put the Packers in a 31-7 hole that they could never recover from. After some garbage time touchdowns from Aaron Rodgers, the Falcons went on to win the game with a final score of 34-23. 

     Matt Ryan finished the game throwing 252 yards and touchdown throw to Tevin Coleman. Devonta Freeman dominated the ground game with 84 yards and 2 touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers ended up throwing for 343 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers went to 1-1 on the season and play against the struggling Cincinnati Bengals this week. The Falcons are 2-0 now and play the Detroit Lions. This game should be an offensive battle as Matthew Stafford has been stellar to start off this short season. 

---