The NFL played its first-ever game in South America on Friday night – Friday night? – and the Philadelphia Eagles were the victors, as running back Saquon Barkley hit the end zone three times in a 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers.
The bigger note might be an injury, though, to Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who was hurt in the final moments of the game.
Word after the contest was that the knee injury might not be as serious as first believed, although more will come out, of course, in coming days after examinations.
Malik Willis had to finish the game, one play, for Love, who limped off with six seconds left. Willis was sacked by Zack Baun before he could get off a pass from Philadelphia’s 47-yard-line, which would’ve obviously been a last-gasp for the Packers, as a field goal, down by five, would’ve done them no good.
Barkley was big for Philadelphia after six years with the NFC East Division rival New York Giants. The former Penn State star had 109 yards rushing and two touchdowns (11, 2) and also caught an 18-yard pass for a score.
Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts went 20-of-34 for 278 yards and two touchdowns: the one to Barkley and a 67 yarder to A.J. Brown. Brown caught five balls for 119 yards and the score.
Jayden Reed had two touchdowns for Green Bay (0-1), a 33-yard run and a 70-yard touchdown pass from Love, who finished the night 17-of-34 for 260 yards and an interception.
Green Bay kicker Brayden Narveson, a rookie, went 3-for-4.
The Packers play their home opener Sunday against 0-1 Indianapolis; the Eagles get one extra day. They’ll play Atlanta at home on “Monday Night Football” on Sept. 16.
