Australia on Monday announced changes to their squad for the remainder of the series, with Lyon ruled out due to a "significant calf tear" while fielding on day two at Lord's.
"If you go back to last summer, England's approach is one of calculated aggression. Here, it seems to be all-out aggression, no matter what," Atherton told Sky Sports.
England are behind in the series 0-1 after losing the first test at Edgbaston. In the second test, the team followed the same approach which did not work in the previous match.
The English bowler has taken three wickets in the ongoing second Test match of the Ashes series against Australia on Thursday at Lord's. He had also taken five wickets in the first Ashes Test.
Lyon sustained an injury in the 37th over on day two of the second Ashes Test at Lord's of the England innings when Lyon was seen limping out with the physio shortly after completing a spell. Chasing a ball to the fence, Lyon seemed in immediate discomfort and was quickly taken off the field
"Probably not a surprise after some of the comments from last week and the nature of that (Edgbaston) wicket. We'll play on what we're given in a couple of days' time," Starc said.