Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) – Green Bay Packers (0-1): 34-29
For the first game in NFL history in South America, both teams offered us a festival of points. But it was another first that captured the spotlight tonight. Barely having arrived in Philadelphia, Saquon Barkley (24 carries, 109 yards, 2 TDs, 2 receptions, 23 yards, 1 TD) has already become the engine for the Eagles' attack.
While the game was rich in points, it wasn't always pretty to watch. Both teams had problems with the slippery turf, especially in the first quarter. Things seemed to improve afterward, with the game becoming lively in the second and third quarters. The two teams then traded blows, with two touchdowns from Barkley and two from Jayden Reed (4 receptions, 138 yards, 1 TD, 1 run, 33 yards, 1 TD) before the break. Having come back from the locker room better, it was ultimately the Eagles who took the upper hand, still helped by a great Saquon Barkley. They sealed their victory 34-29 at the end of a more disjointed fourth quarter.
The Saquon Barkley Show
In his debut with the Eagles, Saquon Barkley dazzled the crowd at Neo Química Arena. It was probably more than the Eagles management hoped for when they signed the 27-year-old running back to a 3-year contract. Very present on the ground with his 109 yards collected, he also knew how to be useful in the air game, as evidenced by his 18-yard reception for a touchdown in the second quarter. Barkley is the second Eagles player in franchise history to score three touchdowns in his debut with the team. Only Terrell Owens had done the same, it was in 2004.
If Eagles fans can thank Barkley, so can Jalen Hurts (20/34, 278 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT). Inconsistent throughout the game, the quarterback threw two interceptions and fumbled a ball. He could have cost his team the game with his interception in the end zone early in the fourth quarter. His only real flash of brilliance of the night was a 67-yard touchdown pass to AJ Brown (5 receptions, 119 yards, 1 TD).
Packers concerned about Jordan Love
Jordan Love (17/34, 260 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) and the Packers' offense were expected, as they were one of the most powerful units in the league last season. Unfortunately, they couldn't keep up with the Eagles until the end. On a slippery pitch, Love lost his footing and seemed to struggle with calf problems. Although backed up by a gala Jayden Reed, the quarterback didn't seem to be at his best. Worse still, on the last drive of the game, Love was crushed by Josh Sweat and Jalen Carter and couldn't get up, writhing in pain in his leg. He had to watch Malik Willis (0/1) finish the game from the edge of the field. The Packers may have a bigger problem than the loss to deal with…
