If first impressions are the most important, the NFL did itself wonders on Friday in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The Philadelphia Eagles outscored the Green Bay Packers, 34-29, in the game played in South America.
The NFL was able to play the game on the first Friday in September. Normally, Friday games on the NFL level are taboo because the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 protects Friday nights and Saturdays for high school and college football from the second Saturday in September to the second Saturday in December.
Sept. 6 was the first Friday in September. Oh, those clever execs in NYC.
In the game, Saquon Barkley rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns and caught a TD pass from a shaky Jalen Hurts to lead the Eagles to victory.
Saquon Barkley is having one of the greatest team debuts of all time.
📺: #GBvsPHI on Peacock pic.twitter.com/Hvx7tUzGkI
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2024
The Packers got a pair of touchdowns from Jayden Reed, who went for 138 yards on four catches. He also ran for a score.
The Eagles scored 31 of their points in the second and third quarters. Green Bay countered with 20 of its points in those quarters.
Philly kicked a field goal in the final minute for the five-point margin. Nick Sirianni sent Jake Elliott out to kick the field goal rather than trying to score on fourth-and-goal from the three after a Hurts fumble.
Green Bay’s last gasp saw Jordan Love complete a deep pass to Reed. However, Love was injured on the drive forcing Malik Willis into the game. The backup never had a chance, throwing an incompletion and being sacked on the final play of the loss.
Looks like Jordan Love’s knee popped 😬 pic.twitter.com/xJs7Sf32xd
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) September 7, 2024
Eagles clinch the win in Brazil!#GBvsPHI pic.twitter.com/zO1yAcJlQu
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2024