It was a historic season opening clash for Philadelphia Eagles who prevailed over the Green Bay Packers 34-29 in the NFL's debut game on Brazilian soil. The Eagles took home the victory in a contest filled with drama however, the clash also saw a bit of controversy given the slippery turf that led to mixed reception from fans.
Former NFL players J.J. Watt, David Bakhtiari, as well as many current fans, including the likes of LeBron James made their thoughts clear on the slippery conditions of the field.
The Corinthians Arena in Brazil on Friday hosted the Packers and the Eagles although the turf wasn't clearly the best as defenders struggled to time their tackles and receivers slipped while trying to control the play. During the second quarter, Packers receiver Dontayvion Wicks and running back Emanuel Wilson both slipped in back to back plays.
NFL fans clearly were left disappointed with the slippery field and they made their frustration clear on social media.
Man this field sucks!!! 🤦🏾♂️ GB vs PHI
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 7, 2024
Soccer fields are made for speed and agility. Smaller bodies gliding across the surface with minimal contact. They are not properly conditioned to have the size & strength of NFL players cutting, pushing and driving all game on them. This is common at international games. https://t.co/6NmjrwFty2
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 7, 2024
My thoughts on the field surface: uncommon field surface for both teams. All players should be wearing 7-studs or a flex option in forefoot (shout out Redd and T-Bone). That’ll fix majority of the slipping. My brother and I were saying players should be pissed about this. There…
— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) September 7, 2024
Yea NFL don’t care with this field
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) September 7, 2024
This field is an utter and total joke. The NFL literally sacrifices the integrity of the game itself for the almighty dollar. Disgusting.
— Mikey “Beardown” Cuz (@BeardownCuz) September 7, 2024
NFL: “Let’s play one of most viewed games in a country that doesn’t even like the football at a field where players slip & fall every play”🤡 pic.twitter.com/4G0IPjjmgo
— Alex Monahan (@AlexMonahan100) September 7, 2024
It was the first time the NFL was played in South America although the historic contest didn't take place without a bit controversy as the league faced flak from fans for hosting regular season games on foreign soil.
Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley scored three touchdowns on his debut helping the Eagles record a historic win. Packers quarterback Jordan Love limped off the field with assistance after getting injured with 6 seconds left.
Barkley rushed for 109 yards and scored on an 18-yard catch and runs of 11 and 2 yards. Barkley spent six seasons with the New York Giants before Philadelphia signed him to a three-year, $37.75 million deal with $26 million guaranteed.
Jalen Hurts was 20 of 34 for 278 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Eagles. The pitch required the players to adjust to the slipper conditions resulting in turnovers early in the contest. Meanwhile the Packers will next face Indianapolis on September 15, while the Eagles will host Atlanta a day later.