After two frustrating weeks to begin the year, the Atlanta Falcons found their footing as they clobbered the Green Bay Packers for a 35-14 win on Thursday night. The game will be known as Michael Penix Jr.’s successful return to the starting lineup, but it should be known as the game that validated Kevin Stefanski’s decision to hire Bill Callahan as offensive line coach.
The choice to hire Callahan was debated this offseason after parting ways with offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford. While it appeared to be a disastrous choice in the first two weeks, things were much different with Penix under center as he was pressured on just four of his dropbacks according to Pro Football Focus.
With the Falcons also running for 244 rushing yards – including 194 yards and two touchdowns by Bijan Robinson – the offensive line was the unheralded hero in the win over the Packers and could be something that shows Callahan’s impact going forward.
Bill Callahan’s hire looks like a win after Falcons victory over the Packers
The Falcons needed a breath of fresh air when Raheem Morris was fired last winter. But while Kevin Stefanski brought in his own staff, there was a legitimate case to keep Ledford. A guru in the running game, Ledford helped the Falcons rank in the top 10 in rushing yards in four straight seasons from 2022 through 2025 and he helped develop players like Drew Dalman, Matthew Bergeron and Kaleb McGary.
Ledford was also respected to the point where the Falcons kept him around after they fired Arthur Smith following the 2023 season. But this time around, Stefanski opted to go with Callahan, who he worked with during his time with the Cleveland Browns from 2020 until he left to join his son Brian’s staff with the Tennessee Titans in 2024.
Stefanski gave Callahan a ringing endorsement last spring, calling him “the best offensive line coach I’ve ever been around.” But it didn’t show up in the first two weeks as Cooper Rush was pressured on 12 of his 46 dropbacks. The 26 percent pressure rate looks even worse considering Rush had the fourth-fastest average time to throw at 2.50 seconds but everything came to life against the Packers.
Penix did his job, posting an average time to throw of 2.19 seconds. But he also made the offensive line look good by completing 17-of-21 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown with a clean pocket. Although Penix tossed a pick early, he shook off the rust and it helped open up the box and clear lanes for Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson to run wild.
Bill Callahan could make an even bigger impact after Falcons breakout in Week 3
Seeing the offensive line come together under Callahan could mean great things moving forward. Obviously, the biggest benefit is being able to protect Penix coming off his third torn ACL. But they can also pave the way for a strong running game, which is something that Stefanski enjoyed with the Browns featuring Nick Chubb at the beginning of his tenure.
The right tackle position was also a question after McGary retired and Storm Norton continues to recover from a severe ankle injury suffered during last year’s training camp. But Jawaan Taylor fit in nicely, allowing one pressure on his 26 pass blocking snaps.
WIth Penix throwing the ball instead of Rush, the Falcons offense had all systems go. And that includes Callahan, whose offensive line validated the decision to make a change along the offensive line.
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