With a lot of expectations on their new-look roster. The Philadelphia Eagles faced off with the Green Bay Packers for the first NFL game in Brazil. This game did not disappoint as both teams traded blows throughout the game. However, the Eagles were able to hold off the Packers thanks to an explosive debut from Saquon Barkley who scored three touchdowns in this game. As result, the Eagles beat the Packers 34-29.

Philly did not start this game off well on the offensive side. Early on they looked like a team that needed to get some work in during the preseason. They played sloppy football combine that with an early Jalen Hurts (completed 20/34 passes, for 278 yards, threw two touchdown passes, and threw two interceptions) interception, and a fumble on a miscue between Cam Jurgens and Hurts. That led to two disastrous offensive drive for Philly. However, the Eagles defense stepped up and held the Packers to two field goals.

This was the story of the game early on the Eagles defense doing just enough to make sure the Packers did not get too far ahead. Kellen Moore simplified the offense and got Hurts in a rhythm and besides the two interceptions. There are a few kinks that need to be worked out for the Eagles on the offensive side. First, Jalen Hurts has to take what the defense gives him and make better decisions. Hurts took points off the board late in this game by throwing across his body and getting picked off by Jaire Alexander. Once again the Eagles defense came up huge and only gave up a field goal. However, Hurts has to either throw the ball away or go pick up some yards with his legs. Secondly, Hurts and Jurgens have to fix the exchange between them it cost the Eagles twice during this game.

If Hurts, Jurgens, and Moore can work out these kinks then the Eagles offense will be explosive. The addition of Saquon Barkley really opens up the field for Philly’s weapons. Barkley had two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown throughout this game and rushed for 132 yards. He is just as explosive as advertised and probably should have been used more during this game. His addition will help the Eagles have a more balanced offense which should keep Jalen Hurts healthy.

Despite giving up 29 points, the Eagles defense looked dominant throughout this game. Even without Isaiah Rogers, Devin White, and James Bradberry. The secondary of the Eagles held up tremendously against Jordan Love. Who was carving them up earlier in the game. They finally started to get some pressure on him and that is what won them the game. However, like the offensive unit they have to limit the penalties. They cannot continue to give the opposing team multiple opportunities to score a touchdown thanks to dumb penalties. If they can clean up the penalties this will be one of the most dominant defense’s Howie Roseman has ever assembled.

The Eagles get a full week to work out the kinks in the offensive and defensive unit. Also, they should at least get Isaiah Rogers back next  Monday, which should give them more flexibility in the secondary. Against the new-look Atlanta Falcons they will need all the secondary help they can get. If the defense can get pressure on Kirk Cousins and Jalen Hurts takes what the defense gives him. Then Philly should be in good shape to get their second win of the season next Monday Night.