Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, getting the start after being limited in practice all week with a sprained shoulder suffered at Tampa Bay, threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Donald Driver, but the Packers trail Atlanta 17-7 at the half.
The touchdown came on a play-action pass on third down, and Driver made the catch over Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes and safety Erik Coleman in the middle of the end zone to narrow Atlanta's lead to 10-7. Running back Brandon Jackson had a 9-yard third-down carry to keep the drive going and running back Ryan Grant added a 12-yard run.
The Falcons scored on their first possession of the game, capping off a 10-play, 81-yard drive with a 1-yard TD pass from quarterback Matt Ryan to tight end Justin Peelle on fourth down. Ryan connected with wide receiver Roddy White on the first play of the game for a 37-yard gain and the duo later hooked up on the drive for a 19-yard gain on third down.
The Falcons added a 42-yard field goal from Jason Elam later in the first quarter to go up 10-0.
Ryan orchestrated another scoring drive in the second quarter, finishing off a 9-play, 90-yard possession with a 22-yard strike to White to put the Falcons up 17-7.
Ryan completed 13-of-18 passes for 154 yards in the opening half, and White has 132 yards on eight receptions.
The Packers answered with a score on their next possession, a 43-yard field goal by Mason Crosby, but the kick was negated by a holding call on tight end Jermichael Finley. Crosby's 53-yard kick after the penalty sailed wide right.
Rodgers finished the first half 7-of-9 for 92 yards and the touchdown, and Driver has three receptions for 68 yards.
