Philadelphia Eagles Triumph in Historic NFL Game
SÃO PAULO — “It was sloppy,” remarked DeVonta Smith, and he certainly wasn’t referring to the popular Brazilian caipirinha cocktails. His words echoed the disarray evident on the field during the Philadelphia Eagles’ inaugural game in South America, where they showcased their revamped offensive strategy under the keen guidance of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Smith reiterated his assessment, saying, “It was sloppy.” Yet, despite the imperfections, the Eagles managed to respond effectively. They emerged victorious with a score of 34-29 against the Green Bay Packers at Arena Corinthians. The game wasn’t without its challenges—Cam Jurgens had a moment of miscommunication when he snapped the ball to Jalen Hurts, who wasn’t prepared for it. Hurts also faced difficulties, as he forced two passes into heavy coverage, resulting in interceptions—one occurring in the end zone. Moreover, a crucial mishap occurred in the dying moments of the game when Jurgens and Hurts mishandled a critical “Brotherly Shove” snap. Instead of sealing their victory, this blunder allowed the Packers one final opportunity for a comeback after a field goal.
“We’re working out the kinks,” Jurgens stated, accepting responsibility for both fumbles. “When you can work through issues and still come away with a win, it’s a gratifying feeling.”
Adding to the excitement, Saquon Barkley proved to be the saving grace for the Eagles. He adeptly jumped on the final fumbled snap, ensuring the team maintained possession. Barkley was a standout player, accounting for three of Philadelphia’s four touchdowns. He amassed an impressive 109 yards on 24 carries, scoring twice, and also contributed with two receptions, including an 18-yard touchdown catch on a perfectly executed wheel route. His performance validated general manager Howie Roseman’s decision to invest significantly in running backs, as Barkley was signed to a lucrative three-year, $37.75 million contract during the offseason, setting a franchise record for per-year spending in that position.
