Packers: Robert Tonyan breakout performance leads to big win

Robert Tonyan caught three touchdowns as the Packers dominated the Falcons.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve heard a lot about Robert Tonyan‘s potential as a pass-catching tight end for the Green Bay Packers.

Monday night, Tonyan turned potential into reality, catching six passes for 98 yards and three touchdowns. The Packers were simply unstoppable as they cruised to a 30-16 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

There were some concerns this would be a trap game for Green Bay. After all, the team was without its two top receivers, Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, while the defense didn’t have Kenny Clark available. Atlanta entered Lambeau Field with a dominant receiving duo of Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley both healthy.

But Green Bay’s defense was equal to the challenge.

Ridley, who entered this game on the back of three straight 100-yard performances, didn’t make a single catch. He can thank Jaire Alexander for that. Jones left the game before halftime with injury and didn’t return, but he hadn’t made a huge impact in the game prior to that.

How about that offense?

I’m running out of adjectives to describe Aaron Rodgers. No matter the adversity this offense has faced with injuries at wide receiver and along the offensive line, this group continues to deliver. Rodgers was phenomenal once again, throwing for 327 yards and four touchdowns and only six incompletions.

With the first quarter of the season complete, Rodgers has thrown for 1,214 yards, 13 touchdowns, and no interceptions. And that’s without Adams for over two games and Lazard for one.

The Packers looked comfortable throughout the game. They now enter their bye week at a perfect 4-0. Matt LaFleur is 17-3 as a head coach and has his team playing some of the best football in the league.

They now have a chance to catch their breath, get healthy, and reflect. The Packers couldn’t have asked for a better opening quarter to the season, but the hard work is only just beginning.