The Green Bay Packers had a heartbreaking loss vs. Atlanta. The Packers went into the fourth quarter with a 12-point lead and looked well on their way to a win. The team showed its youth and the growing pains that are expected.
The Packers had some impressive performances and disappointing ones. Here is this week’s studs and duds vs. the Atlanta Falcons.
Stud: Green Bay Packers Rookie Wide Receivers
Rookies Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks stole the show. The Packers desperately needed someone on offense to step up without Aaron Jones and Christian Watson.
Jayden Reed finished the day with four receptions for 37 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie out of Michigan State is cementing himself a spot on this offense. Reed will complement Watson and Doubs greatly as the Packers get healthier on offense.
The rookie from Virginia, Dontayvion Wicks, put his skillset on display. Catching a contested pass over the middle for a 32-yard touchdown. He finished with two receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown on the day. Until Watson is back, his role should keep expanding in this offense.
Dud: Green Bay Packers Defense
This was a disappointing performance out of what is supposed to be the Packers strength. The Packers forced a single punt against the Falcons. That is unacceptable with a defense with as much talent as they have.
Bijan Robinson rushed for 124 yards on 19 carries, 6.5 yards per carry. This is a Packers team that wanted to prove themselves against the run. They gave up a total of 211 yards on the ground. This must be cleaned up if they want to be competitive in January.
Dud: AJ Dillon
It is frustrating when the Packers have second-round capital in a running back that can’t be relied on. AJ Dillon ended the game with 55 yards on 15 carries, 3.7 yards per carry. Once again, Dillon had issues keeping his feet in front of him. A crucial 3rd and one that had a chance to seal the game, he tripped over his feet and fell short.
At some point, the Packers must discuss a change if Aaron Jones is still out. The Packers must be able to run the ball to set up the play action—an overall disappointing day for AJ Dillon.
Dud: Jaire Alexander
Jaire Alexander did not have his typical dominant day. Alexander surrendered a touchdown to Drake London in the red zone late in the second quarter. He also dropped an easy interception on fourth down that had the opportunity to go the distance. It was not Alexander’s finest day, but expect him to bounce back next week.
Final Thoughts
Credit to Arthur Smith and the Atlanta Falcons; they never gave up. This game will be a great game to look back on for the Packers in hopes they can learn from it. It’s a long season; odds are, this won’t be the last disappointing game for the Packers. With all the youth on this team, patience will be needed.
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