The Green Bay Packers suffered a familiar and painful defeat, dropping to 1-1 in a manner that’s become all too common for their fans. The game teased a potential victory, only to snatch it away, leaving supporters bewildered in the aftermath.
Green Bay was up 24-12 entering the fourth quarter, but could not muster any points or stop the Falcons down the stretch. Atlanta put up 13 points, including the game-winning field goal with 57 seconds remaining.
While this loss stings, it could serve as a stepping stone for the Packers in the long run. After dissecting the game, let’s explore five key takeaways from Green Bay’s Week 2 defeat against Atlanta.
Let’s take a closer look at AJ Dillon, Joe Barry’s defense and three other takeaways from the Green Bay Packers’ 4th quarter collapse.
Jayden Reed’s Perspective
Jayden Reed has a bright future in the NFL, catching four receptions for 37 yards and two touchdowns in his second career game. However, his perspective should garner the most attention following the Packers’ loss.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Reed dropped a historical one-liner when describing the collapse, “Let it build us, not break us.” Just reading it gives me chills and gives the game a better outlook. We knew the Packers weren’t going to go undefeated. The loss stings, but it’s all about a long-term perspective for this version of the Packers.
Offensive Struggles
Green Bay didn’t have all of their offensive weapons at their full disposal (more on that later), but was able to score 24 points through the first three quarters. Unfortunately, they fell apart in the fourth quarter and put their defense in some challenging positions.
Not only did Green Bay’s offense fail to pick up a first down in that final quarter, but Jordan Love even failed to complete a pass. He also botched a quarterback sneak in embarrassing fashion, ending a potential fourth and one conversion that would’ve kept the ball with the Packers.
It was a disappointing end to a game where the Packers’ offense failed to capitalize on multiple mistakes made by the Falcons’ defense. Hopefully, it’s not a sign of things to come.
Joe Barry’s Defense
The offense didn’t do Joe Barry and his defense any favors, but they couldn’t seem to help themselves either.
After promising changes this year, it looked like the same unit fans have been anxious about for the past two years. They played conservative football, often having their defensive backs 10-plus yards off the line of scrimmage, allowing Atlanta to complete all the short passes their little hearts desired. They couldn’t stop the run when it mattered and allowed the Falcons to patiently drive down the field throughout the game.
At the end of the game, the Falcons racked up a whopping 446 total yards, including 211 on the ground. They also ran 78 total plays (to the Packers’ 47) and dominated the time of possession. The Packers couldn’t get off the field, allowing Atlanta to convert 6 of 15 third downs and 3 of 4 fourth downs. It was more of the same, and continues to put Barry on the hot seat.
AJ Dillon Isn’t the Answer
AJ Dillon entered the game with a major opportunity. He was the clear lead back with Aaron Jones sidelined with a hamstring injury and had a chance to prove he’s worthy of a starting spot in 2024 and moving forward. Unfortunately, he reaffirmed why he’s a backup.
Dillon carried the rock 15 times for a putrid 55 yards (3.7 yards per carry) and only had a long of eight yards. He looked even worse when watching the game, clearly lacking burst or the ability to break any tackles. For a big, bruising running back, he sure runs soft.
We’ve seen his yards per carry average fall every year of his career and he’s likely looking at his last season in Green Bay. As a free agent after this season, the Packers haven’t seen any reason why Dillon should be a part of their long-term plans.
Health
The Packers were shorthanded offensively when the game began, missing their three best offensive players in David Bakhtiari, Aaron Jones and Christian Watson. When the game was over, they were without another top offensive player in left guard Elgton Jenkins. Although that’s not an excuse for the loss, it’s an important caveat.
Bakhtiari, Jones and Watson have a great chance to play next week and return to full health. That would be a massive boost for a team that lacked explosiveness against the Falcons. Jones and Watson change the entire dynamic on offense and Bakhtiari can help anchor the left side of the line that was suddenly in flux on Sunday.
Jenkins’ injury is more serious, as he sprained his MCL. They’re still trying to determine the severity, but he’ll be out for at least a few weeks.