Is that what happens when you go from your fourth-string quarterback to your starting quarterback? Apparently so, as the Atlanta Falcons steamrolled the Green Bay Packers 35-14 on a short week.
Was it all Michael Penix Jr.? Not totally, but having a starting-caliber quarterback under center makes a world of difference. Suddenly, the defense can't stack the line to stop Bijan Robinson, and we saw how that went.
We went from struggling to find a single winner on Sunday to struggling to find a single loser on Thursday.
Falcons' blowout wins gives them no shortage of winners this week
Winner: Michael Penix Jr., QB
Falcons fans were rolling their eyes after the first two drives; Penix Jr. looked uncomfortable. But then he turned things around to have an exceptional game on the road.
The third-year quarterback finished 18-25 for 256 yards with a touchdown and an interception. So much for not being a franchise QB.
Loser: Tua Tagovailoa, QB
The worst thing that could've happened to Tua Tagovailoa is to return the same week as Penix Jr. The injury he suffered right before the season switched the dynamics of the position around. Tagovailoa's future is impossible to predict.
Winner: Bijan Robinson, RB
Something about Bijan Robinson and primetime. Since last season, he has 155 touches for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns in six standalone games. This includes three games of over 300 yards. And he has done it against some good defenses. It is simply incredible.
Even more good news: The Falcons' next two games are on primetime. Watch out!
Loser: Jake Matthews, LT
You are constantly walking on eggshells with veteran players, especially on the frontline. At some point, Father Time catches up to you.
We are still a few weeks away from being truly worried, but he has not looked good through three games. Lukas Van Ness took his lunch on Thursday night. The good news is that he's no longer the blind-side protector.
Winner: Drake London, WR
Do you think WR1 is glad to have QB1 back? One week after seeing Drake London lose his emotions (rightfully so), he had a day to remember. Penix Jr. was in sync with the superstar receiver, helping him nearly break 200 yards (9 for 194), most of it coming late to keep momentum going.
London now joins Julio Jones on the list of wide receivers the Packers hope to never see again.
Loser: Kyle Pitts, TE
It's been sad to watch Kyle Pitts in the first three games after his contract extension. The star tight end has not been a focal point for Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees' offense -- surprising considering how much they love tight ends.
He hasn't found any chemistry with his countless quarterbacks throughout his career. Better days are coming.
Winner: Jeff Ulbrich and his many contributors
It is so impressive what Jeff Ulbrich continues to do as a defensive coordinator. Just think about all the out-of-nowhere players he has turned into solid contributors. Thursday night was another example of that.
To name a few: Cameron Thomas, CJ Henderson, Billy Bowman Jr., Avieon Terrell, Divine Deablo, Kendal Daniels, Xavier Watts, and so on. Henderson deserves a second shoutout for his outstanding play after AJ Terrell's injury.
They also held the Packers to 17 rush yards, their fewest in franchise history. Jordan Love completed under 50% of his passes as well.
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