Saquon Barkley made a spectacular debut for the Philadelphia Eagles, scoring three touchdowns in the first NFL game in South America. The Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-29, but the Packers lost quarterback Jordan Love to an injury in the closing seconds of the game. Barkley, who has been focusing on positive thinking, expressed his goal of being a more positive thinker this season. This win marked the first time Barkley switched teams in his career, leaving the Giants to sign with the Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million deal.
Jalen Hurts had a solid performance for the Eagles, throwing for 278 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Barkley rushed for 109 yards and scored on an 18-yard catch and runs of 11 and 2 yards. The game had a playoff-like atmosphere, with fans in Brazil showing enthusiasm for American football. Jayden Reed of the Packers had an impressive game, scoring on a 33-yard jet sweep and a 70-yard reception, the longest touchdown completion of Love’s career. However, Reed’s efforts were not enough as the Eagles emerged victorious.
The slippery playing surface at NeoQuimica Arena in Brazil caused players from both teams to struggle in the first half, leading many to change their cleats. Despite the challenges, both teams put up a competitive game with multiple touchdown drives. The Eagles had expressed concerns about playing in Brazil, as they missed the opportunity to have their season opener in front of a home crowd. However, the mixed audience at the stadium, including both Packers and Eagles fans, made for an exciting atmosphere throughout the game.
Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged that the Packers missed out on several opportunities in the game. While Love’s injury raised concerns for the team, there was no immediate update on his condition following the game. Regardless of the outcome, players on both teams praised the Brazilian crowd for their energy and enthusiasm. The game marked a historic moment as the NeoQuimica Arena hosted its first American football game, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport in Brazil.
After a back-and-forth battle, the Eagles secured the win with a field goal by Jake Elliott in the closing seconds of the game. Players from both teams showcased their talents, with Barkley leading the way for the Eagles and Reed standing out for the Packers. As the teams reflect on the game and prepare for their upcoming matchups, they are focused on learning from the mistakes and building on the positives. The stage is set for an exciting NFL season, with both the Eagles and Packers looking to bounce back from their season opener and make a strong impression in the weeks to come.
