Saquon Barkley made a spectacular debut for the Philadelphia Eagles, scoring three touchdowns in their 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the first-ever NFL game played in South America. Held at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Barkley rushed 24 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns while also catching two passes for 23 yards and another score.
The 27-year-old, who joined the Eagles from the New York Giants during the offseason, became only the second player in Eagles history to score three touchdowns in his debut, following in the footsteps of Terrell Owens in 2004.
“It was important for me to get into a rhythm,” Barkley said. “Once I took that first hit, I felt ready.”
This game marked the first of five NFL regular-season matchups to be held outside the United States this season, with three games set for London in October and one in Munich in November.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 20 of 34 passes for 278 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions, in a thrilling contest that saw the lead change hands seven times. Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw for 260 yards, completing 17 of 34 passes, with two touchdowns and one interception before leaving the game late with an ankle injury.
Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown, who recorded five catches for 119 yards and one touchdown, summed up the game: “It was a battle, with ups and downs. We adjusted, and it came down to making the key plays when it mattered.”