Philadelphia Eagles beat Green Bay Packers in NFL debut in Brazil

The NFL's debut exceeded expectations, with a full house and great fan interaction. The Philadelphia Eagles, playing against the team considered the home team, came from behind to win, beating the Green Bay Packers 34-29, after a disastrous first quarter, on Friday night (6), at the Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo. The Green Bay Packers were considered the home team, as their fans represented the majority of the 47,326 people in attendance, which included fans of all teams in the league.

Recent statements by Eagles players discouraged many fans from attending the arena, while the “cheeseheads,” as Packers fans are known, ignored the rivalry and supported their players. Both groups sang the national anthem, joined in to say “hello” and sang the song “Evidências,” by Chitãozinho and Xororó.

_{Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley catches a touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers in the NFL (Photo: reproduction/Kirby Lee-Imagn/REUTERS)}

Eagles started badly but recovered

On the field, the Eagles showed that they are Super Bowl contenders. Philadelphia's big signing, running back Saquon Barkley, had a poor start, but finished the game with 132 yards rushing and receiving, as well as 3 touchdowns. He became the first Eagles player to score 3 touchdowns in a game since Terrell Owens in the 2004/2005 season, when Philadelphia was a finalist.

The Packers made good progress on their first play and nearly scored a touchdown on Jordan Love's pass to Jayden Reed, but a 12-man foul prevented it. The decision drew an immediate reaction from the crowd, who chanted “Hey, judge, go take it in the ….”.

Daniel Whelan's punt left the Eagles trapped in their own end zone, and Philadelphia felt the pressure on the first play when Eagle Barkley slipped and was tackled just 5 yards from the end zone. Jason Hurts was intercepted on the ensuing play. Green Bay then regained possession 19 yards from the touchdown zone, but Wisconsin penalties hampered the play, resulting in only a Brayden Naverson field goal.

Philadelphia's defense showed up in the third quarter and secured the victory

Both teams' offenses continued to shine. On the second play of the fourth quarter, Hurts connected on a 67-yard play with AJ Brown for a touchdown for the Eagles. The Packers responded immediately, with Love passing to Christian Watson. The defenses managed to contain the opposing offenses somewhat. Safety Reed Blankenship intercepted Jordan Love at the Packers' 24-yard line, putting Jalen Hurts in a great position to turn the game around. Barkley took advantage, with three straight runs to the end zone, scoring his third touchdown of the game. Narveson, meanwhile, missed a field goal kick that could have reduced Green Bay's deficit.

Barkley put the Eagles in scoring position again with a 33-yard run, but Hurts was intercepted for the second time in the game on a pass in the end zone, caught by Jaire Alexander. The Packers advanced to the eight-yard line, where Narveson converted a field goal, cutting the lead to 31–29. Philadelphia then went on a six-minute drive to seal the victory with a Jake Field Goal.

With just 22 seconds left in the game, the Packers advanced to midfield, but Love was injured after a tackle and had to be carried off, worrying the team for the rest of the league.

Featured photo: Neo Química Arena will host NFL game (Reproduction/Vinicius Alves/Agência Corinthians)