Saquon Barkley Leads Eagles to Victory Over Packers in Brazil Debut

Barkley Scores Three Touchdowns in Eagles’ 34-29 Win

Saquon Barkley made a stunning debut for the Philadelphia Eagles, scoring three touchdowns and leading his team to a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFL’s first-ever game in South America, played in Brazil. Barkley, who joined the Eagles after six seasons with the New York Giants, played a pivotal role in the win, helping the Eagles claim their season opener.

“I’m always about visualizing success and putting positivity in my mind,” Barkley said after the game. “That’s one of my goals this year: Be more of a positive thinker.”

Jordan Love Injured Late in the Game

The Packers suffered a significant setback when starting quarterback Jordan Love was injured in the final seconds. Love, who signed a four-year, $220 million extension in the offseason, limped off the field with assistance after the injury. Packers coach Matt LaFleur did not provide an update on Love’s condition immediately after the game.

Backup quarterback Malik Willis had a chance for a last-minute Hail Mary but was sacked by Zack Baun, sealing the Eagles’ win.

Saquon Barkley’s Big Night

Barkley rushed for 109 yards and scored on an 18-yard catch and runs of 11 and 2 yards, becoming the first Eagles player to score three touchdowns in his debut since Terrell Owens in 2004. The Eagles signed Barkley to a three-year, $37.75 million deal, with $26 million guaranteed, and he wasted no time proving his value.

Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown Contribute to the Offense

Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 20 of 34 passes for 278 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver A.J. Brown caught five passes for 119 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni praised the atmosphere, comparing it to a playoff game.

“Man, did Brazil get a great game tonight or what?” Sirianni said. “I know we converted some people to be big-time football fans tonight.”

Packers’ Jayden Reed Stands Out

Green Bay’s Jayden Reed had a breakout performance, scoring on a 33-yard jet sweep and a 70-yard reception — the longest touchdown pass of Love’s career. Reed’s elusive move around the 30-yard line left Philadelphia’s C.J. Gardner-Johnson behind. Reed became the first player since Hall of Famer Jim Brown in 1963 to score both a touchdown catch and a run of over 30 yards in a season opener.

Reed finished with four catches for 138 yards but had a 38-yard touchdown on the opening drive wiped out due to a penalty for 12 men on the field.

Eagles Pull Ahead in Second Half

Barkley’s third touchdown, a 2-yard run, put the Eagles ahead 31-26 late in the third quarter. Reed Blankenship’s interception set up that score, giving the Eagles possession deep in Packers territory.

Though Jaire Alexander intercepted Hurts in the end zone early in the fourth quarter, Green Bay could only respond with a field goal from rookie Brayden Narveson, who went 3-for-4 on the night. Philadelphia sealed the game with a 21-yard field goal by Jake Elliott with 27 seconds remaining.

Packers Struggle in Red Zone

Despite starting two consecutive drives in the red zone after early Philadelphia turnovers, the Packers managed only field goals both times. Coach LaFleur expressed frustration after the game, citing the red zone inefficiencies.

“The red area was a huge problem tonight,” LaFleur said. “A year ago, we were pretty damn good in that area. Tonight, we got destroyed.”

Eagles and Packers Adapt to Brazilian Conditions

The game, held at NeoQuimica Arena in São Paulo, featured a lively crowd that was evenly split between Packers fans, Eagles fans, and local spectators enjoying their first live NFL experience. Players from both teams struggled with the playing surface, which had hosted a Brazilian soccer match just five days earlier. Several players switched cleats during the game to adjust to the slippery conditions.

Despite initial hesitations about traveling to Brazil, the Eagles enjoyed the experience. “I don’t know if São Paulo knows when to cheer, but it was great,” said Brown. “It was loud the entire time.”

Player Injuries:

Green Bay Packers: Green Bay was without running backs AJ Dillon, who went on injured reserve with a neck injury, and MarShawn Lloyd, who missed the game with a hamstring injury.
Philadelphia Eagles: Linebacker Devin White was sidelined with an ankle injury.

Upcoming Games:

Packers: Host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 15.
Eagles: Host the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Sept. 16.