SAO PAULO — Saquon Barkley scored three touchdowns in his debut for Philadelphia, leading the Eagles past the Green Bay Packers 34-29 on Friday night in the first NFL game in South America.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love limped off the field with assistance after getting injured with 6 seconds left. Backup Malik Willis was sacked by Zack Baun on the final play of the game, preventing him from launching a Hail Mary from the Philadelphia 47.
Barkley rushed for 109 yards and scored on an 18-yard catch and runs of 11 and 2 yards. Barkley spent six seasons with the New York Giants before Philadelphia signed him to a three-year, $37.75 million deal with $26 million guaranteed.
He became the first player to score three touchdowns in his Eagles debut since Terrell Owens in 2004.
Jalen Hurts was 20 of 34 for 278 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Eagles. A.J. Brown caught five passes for 119 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown.
Green Bay’s Jayden Reed scored on a 33-yard jet sweep and a 70-yard reception, which was the longest touchdown completion of Love’s career. Reed caught Love’s pass inside Philadelphia’s 40 and made a move at around the 30 that sent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson sprawling.
Reed became the first player to have a touchdown catch of 30-plus yards and a touchdown run of 30-plus yards in a season opener since Hall of Famer Jim Brown did it for the Cleveland Browns against Washington in 1963.
Reed also had an apparent 38-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive get wiped out because both teams had 12 men on the field. He finished with four catches for 138 yards.
Love went 17 of 34 for 260 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Barkley’s third touchdown put the Eagles ahead 31-26 with 4:26 left in the third quarter. Reed Blankenship set up that score with an interception that gave Philadelphia the ball at Green Bay’s 25.
The Eagles still led 31-26 when Jaire Alexander intercepted Hurts in the end zone early in the fourth quarter. Green Bay drove into the red zone but settled for a 26-yard field goal by rookie Brayden Narveson, who went 3 for 4 on his attempts.
Philadelphia then controlled possession until Jake Elliott kicked a 21-yard field goal with 27 seconds left.
Some Eagles players had expressed reluctance earlier this week about traveling to Brazil, which cost them the opportunity to play their season opener in front of a friendly crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. The crowd at NeoQuimica Arena instead was balanced among Packers fans, Eagles fans and spectators who just cheered any positive development.
Players from both teams were slipping on the playing surface throughout the first half. A Brazilian soccer league game was played in the stadium five days earlier.
NeoQuimica Arena’s field is often praised by soccer players as Brazil’s best, but it had never hosted an American football game. The hybrid field includes both grass and synthetic fiber.
The slippery surface may have contributed to a sloppy start.
Philadelphia committed turnovers on each of its first two series, enabling Green Bay to start back-to-back drives in the red zone, but the Packers settled for field goals both times.
Then the offenses took over. Six of the next seven possessions resulted in touchdowns.
INJURIES
Eagles LB Devin White (ankle) didn’t play. The Packers were missing RBs AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd. Dillon went on injured reserve last week with a neck issue, and Lloyd was out with a hamstring injury.
UP NEXT
Packers: Host Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 15.
Eagles: Host Atlanta on Monday, Sept. 16.
In a stunning debut for the Philadelphia Eagles, rookie quarterback Matt Barkley showcased his talent and potential as he led the team to a thrilling victory over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. Barkley, who was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft, was given the opportunity to start in place of injured starter Carson Wentz and he did not disappoint.
From the opening drive, Barkley showed poise and confidence as he orchestrated the Eagles’ offense with precision and efficiency. He displayed great command of the playbook, making smart decisions and accurate throws to move the ball down the field. His chemistry with his receivers was evident as he connected on several key passes to keep drives alive and put points on the board.
One of Barkley’s standout moments came in the third quarter when he led a game-winning drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz. The play showcased Barkley’s ability to read the defense, make quick decisions under pressure, and deliver a perfectly placed throw in a critical moment.
Overall, Barkley’s performance was nothing short of impressive as he finished the game with over 300 passing yards and three touchdowns. His leadership on the field and his ability to elevate the play of those around him were key factors in the Eagles’ victory over a tough Packers team.
With this debut performance, Barkley has undoubtedly made a strong case for himself as a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL. His talent, work ethic, and determination were on full display in Brazil, and Eagles fans have every reason to be excited about what the future holds with Barkley under center.
As for the team, this victory over the Packers serves as a statement win and a confidence booster as they look to make a playoff push in the upcoming season. The chemistry and cohesion displayed by the offense under Barkley’s leadership bode well for their chances moving forward.
In conclusion, Matt Barkley’s impressive debut for the Philadelphia Eagles has not only solidified his place as a rising star in the NFL but has also given hope and excitement to Eagles fans everywhere. With his talent and potential on full display, the sky is truly the limit for Barkley and the Eagles as they look to build on this momentum and continue their success in the season ahead.