ATLANTA, GA (WTAQ) – The depth of the Green Bay Packers roster was put to the test in Week 2, and it wasn’t enough to stand up to the defending NFC Champions, the Atlanta Falcons, in a 34-23 loss.
OTs Bryan Bulaga, David Bakhtiari, and Jason Spriggs were all ruled out coming into the game.
DT Mike Daniels left the game early on with a hamstring injury, and the Packers proceeded to allow more than 100 yards rushing between Falcons RBs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. WR Jordy Nelson (quad), WR Randall Cobb (shoulder), and S Kentrell Brice (groin) also went down with injuries.
The Packers offense was controlled by the Falcons during the first half, held to only 103 yards of total offense and one rushing TD from RB Ty Montgomery.
QB Aaron Rodgers was intercepted by CB Desmond Trufant near the end of the half, setting up another quick Falcons TD drive and putting the Packers down 24-7.
Trufant would be the beneficiary of another Packers miscue to begin the second half. A pressured Aaron Rodgers attempted to throw the ball away, but instead threw a lateral pass to nobody, which was considered a fumble. Trufant returned it for a TD to put the Packers in a deep hole they would make an effort to dig out of with two fourth quarter TDs, but ultimately would drown in.
Injuries to the Packers’ No.1 and 2 receivers could be devastating for the rest of the 2017 campaign.
For now, the Pack will lick their wounds and prepare for a home game next Sunday against the struggling Cincinnati Bengals.
