NFL media, Packers fans sound off after dismal loss in home opener

Opening night at Lambeau Field for the 2026 Green Bay Packers was anything but grand. Though the home team took an early lead, it certainly became a performance that turned dark quickly.

While the wounded offensive line continued to have problems protecting quarterback Jordan Love during an embarrassing 35-14 loss to the previously 0-2 Atlanta Falcons , the defense finished the night allowing nearly 500 total yards.

And while Falcons running back Bijan Robinson led a punishing ground game that netted Atlanta 242 yards, the Packers managed just 17 yards on nine carries. On four of six possessions in the first half, the Packers did not get a first down.

Those are just a couple of the many problems the Packers had trouble solving Sept. 24. Love threw for 312 yards, but he missed some throws, his timing was off due to Atlanta's pressure and he never got into sync with his receivers.

Meanwhile, the Packers' secondary couldn't keep Falcons receiver Drake London from having a spectacular night. He finished with 9 catches for 184 yards and a touchdown. Many of the receptions were chunk plays as he averaged 21.5 yards a catch.

And to add to the insult, Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 256 yards, though he hadn't played a game since last November because of a torn ACL

Both NFL media and Packers fans were plenty willing to throw around the blame after suffering through the brutal rout.