The Green Bay Packers fell 35-14 to the Atlanta Falcons on September 25, 2026, in a home opener marked by boos from Lambeau Field fans and tight end Tucker Kraft’s blunt response to the criticism.
Tight end Tucker Kraft addressed the criticism directly, calling the fan reaction pretty disappointing
and emphasizing that the team would not let external noise affect their performance.
A Disappointing Home Opener for the Packers
The Packers’ first home game of the 2026 season ended in a 35-14 defeat to the Falcons, dropping the Packers to 1-2 and marking the largest home loss of LaFleur’s eight seasons as Packers head coach. Green Bay’s offense, led by quarterback Jordan Love, managed only 108 total yards in the first half, with 12 rushing yards through two quarters. Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson dominated the ground game, rushing for 194 yards and two touchdowns, while Green Bay ran the ball only nine times for 17 yards. The loss extended Green Bay’s record to 1-2, a stark contrast to the team’s recent playoff appearances.
The boos began early, with fans expressing frustration after the Packers trailed 17-7 at halftime. The crowd’s discontent grew as the Falcons extended their lead, culminating in a 21-point victory. Kraft, who caught four passes for 26 yards, acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the team’s resolve. We’re grown men. We’re mentally strong enough, capable enough to get back on the field and play ball,
he said, adding that the support of the 70,000 fans would be much easier
than the opposition they faced.
Kraft’s Response to the Boos: A Locker Room Message
Kraft’s comments to reporters after the game underscored the tension between the team and its supporters. That’s pretty tough. Like everyone pictures Lambeau Field and not boos. I don’t picture boos. I picture my home stadium. That’s tough. It’s pretty disappointing, especially for a home opener,
he said. The Packers’ tight end emphasized that the criticism would not derail the team, stating, It’s not going to help us win. Like I don’t know what people think that’s going to rally us or something like that.
The Packers’ struggles extended beyond the field. Injuries to key players like Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons, along with a depleted offensive line, contributed to the team’s struggles. Green Bay committed an NFL-high 26 penalties through the first two weeks, and their run defense, which had been a strength, was exposed by Atlanta’s dominant ground attack. Kraft acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, noting, We can’t let external noise divide us. Us guys in this locker room, we’re really all we’ve got.
The Broader Context: A Crossroads for the Packers
Team president/CEO Ed Policy had signed LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst to contract extensions, but the 2026 season has already tested the organization’s resilience. The absence of Jacobs, who remains on the commissioner’s exempt list, and the injury to starting linemen have left the team facing early-season challenges. Kraft acknowledged that they have dropped two to NFC opponents, noting, Long season, we’re three games in.
The Falcons’ victory highlighted the Packers’ vulnerability. Atlanta’s control of the ball for more than 37 minutes and their ability to finish with 498 total yards, including 244 on the ground, underscored the team’s struggles.
What’s Next for the Packers?
We spend a lot of time together, so just continue to stay close and build off each other,
he said.