In Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their NFL season with a thrilling 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers. This match marked the first-ever NFL game played in Brazil, held at Arena Corinthians, and the excitement matched the historic occasion.
Star of the night was Saquon Barkley, who was making his debut with the Eagles. Barkley made history by scoring three touchdowns, a feat not accomplished by an Eagles player in their debut since Terrell Owens in 2004. Finishing the game with 132 yards from scrimmage and 109 rushing yards, Barkley was unstoppable, showcasing his dynamic play with two rushing touchdowns and one receiving score. His final touchdown, a crucial 2-yard run, put the Eagles ahead for good.
Meanwhile, the Packers had standout performances of their own. Jayden Reed shone brightly, scoring two touchdowns and totaling 138 yards from scrimmage. His key plays included a 33-yard rushing touchdown and a spectacular 70-yard receiving touchdown, helping give Green Bay a brief lead in the first half.
The Eagles looked to Lang quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had a mixed performance with three turnovers, including a crucial interception while the Eagles were ahead in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, Hurts managed to connect with A.J. Brown for a significant 67-yard touchdown early in the second half to regain the lead for Philadelphia.
Despite the struggles on offense, the Eagles’ defense was pivotal, particularly Zack Baun, who tallied 15 tackles and two sacks throughout the game. The Eagles defense held strong, even after Hurts’ red-zone missteps which could have allowed more scoring opportunities for the Packers.
The victory puts the Eagles at 1-0 for the season, while Green Bay falls to 0-1. The Eagles will take a much-needed break, with ten days off before their next game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 16th.
This night not only celebrated their new star Saquon Barkley but also solidified the Eagles’ potential in the upcoming season as they look to build on this thrilling win. Meanwhile, the Packers will have nine days to regroup as they prepare to host the Indianapolis Colts on September 15th.
