In a game that marked the NFL’s debut in South America, Saquon Barkley stole the spotlight, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the Week 1 First Friday NFL showdown in São Paulo, Brazil. Barkley’s three-touchdown performance, combined with a concerning late-game injury to Packers quarterback Jordan Love, defined a thrilling contest in front of an electric international crowd.
Barkley, who joined the Eagles this offseason after six seasons with the New York Giants, proved to be worth every penny of his three-year, $37.75 million deal. The star running back rushed for 109 yards, scoring twice on the ground from 11 and 2 yards, and adding a third touchdown on an 18-yard reception. His powerful performance gave the Eagles a crucial offensive boost, as they held off a strong challenge from the Packers.
Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts had an up-and-down night, completing 20 of 34 passes for 278 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. His chemistry with wide receiver A.J. Brown was on full display, with Brown hauling in five passes for 119 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown in the first half.
The Packers‘ biggest concern coming out of the game is the health of their quarterback Jordan Love, who left the field with an apparent leg injury in the final seconds. Love, fresh off signing a four-year, $220 million extension in the offseason, was helped off the field after taking a hit with just six seconds remaining. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur did not provide an update on Love’s status immediately after the game, leaving Green Bay fans anxiously awaiting news.
Before his injury, Love had played a solid game, completing 17 of 34 passes for 260 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He connected with second-year wideout Jayden Reed on a 70-yard bomb, the longest touchdown pass of Love’s career. Reed, who was a bright spot for the Packers, also scored on a 33-yard jet sweep, becoming the first player to record both a touchdown run and reception of 30 or more yards in a season opener since Jim Brown in 1963.
Reed was a revelation in the Packers’ offense, finishing the night with four catches for 138 yards. In addition to his 70-yard touchdown reception, Reed had a 38-yard score wiped out early in the game due to a penalty for too many men on the field. His explosive plays kept Green Bay in contention, even as they struggled to generate consistent offense in Love’s absence.
After a back-and-forth third quarter, the Eagles took a 31-26 lead when Barkley punched in his third touchdown of the night, following an interception by safety Reed Blankenship that set up Philadelphia deep in Green Bay territory. The Packers responded with a field goal from rookie kicker Brayden Narveson, cutting the Eagles’ lead to two points early in the fourth quarter, but could not complete the comeback.
Hurts and the Eagles controlled the ball for much of the final period, with kicker Jake Elliott extending their lead to 34-29 with a 21-yard field goal in the final minute. Green Bay’s hopes of a last-second miracle were dashed when backup quarterback Malik Willis, in for the injured Love, was sacked by linebacker Zack Baun as time expired.
With the win, the Eagles kick off their 2024 campaign on a high note and will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for Week 2. However, the Packers’ outlook is clouded with uncertainty, as they await word on Love’s condition. If Love is forced to miss significant time, the Packers will have to rely on Willis to lead the offense, a prospect that will test the depth and resilience of Matt LaFleur’s squad.
For now, the Eagles celebrate a historic win, while the Packers are left wondering what the future holds for their franchise quarterback.
