SÃO PAULO — The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles traveled to Brazil to kick off their 2024 seasons.
This matchup marked several milestones: it was the first NFL game held in the Southern Hemisphere, the first opening-week game on a Friday since 1970, and the debut of running back Saquon Barkley as an Eagle.
After a sluggish start, the second quarter saw both teams exchanging touchdowns, with Barkley scoring twice and Green Bay’s Jayden Reed also finding the end zone twice. The game continued to ebb and flow in the second half until the Eagles broke free, securing a 34-29 victory. The game concluded with Packers quarterback Jordan Love sidelined due to a suspected leg injury.
Key takeaways from Friday night’s game for both teams include:
Barkley
For the Philadelphia Eagles, it was a standout debut for Saquon Barkley. Playing in front of a packed house at Arena Corinthians, Barkley rushed for over 100 yards and recorded three touchdowns, leading the Eagles past the Packers. His performance was exactly what management envisioned when they signed him to a three-year, $37.75 million contract in the spring. Barkley showcased his abilities both on the ground and through the air, notably catching an 18-yard touchdown in the second quarter. As the second Eagles player to score three touchdowns in his debut, following Terrell Owens in 2004, Barkley started the season with a bang, although he still needs to prove his durability for the 17-game season.
Jalen Hurts had a mixed performance as quarterback, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble. Despite early mishaps, he also managed to lead a crucial late-game drive that cemented the win for the Eagles.
The Eagles struggled offensively in the first quarter, recording just 35 yards, their lowest since Week 17 of 2022. However, they maintained their defensive control, limiting the Packers to only one touchdown on four red zone trips.
Next up for the Eagles is a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, September 16 at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Green Bay Packers
Expectations for the Packers’ defense were realistic, given the debut of new coordinator Jeff Hafley and rookie kicker Brayden Narveson. However, quarterback Jordan Love was expected to continue the offensive momentum from last season. Unfortunately for Green Bay, the Eagles outperformed them, and Love’s game ended early due to a lower leg injury.
Playing on a slick field where Love struggled with his footing, he completed 17 of 34 passes for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, which wasn’t enough to match Barkley’s impactful performance.
Positive signs emerged with Jayden Reed, who previously showed promise during his rookie season. He scored a 33-yard rushing touchdown and had a 70-yard touchdown catch, marking him as the third player in four decades to achieve such feat in a single game.
However, Narveson’s performance was inconsistent. After missing a 43-yard field goal attempt following two successful short kicks and extra points, he rebounded to make a 26-yarder later in the game. Narveson is now the sixth kicker the Packers have had since last season.
Discipline also challenged the Packers, as they faced multiple penalties, including two red zone holding penalties that forced them to settle for field goals. Overall, they committed 10 penalties for 71 yards.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Love threw an interception after a promising start, which allowed the Eagles to score again and take the lead.
The Packers will look to rebound against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 15 at 1 p.m. ET.