The Saquon Barkley era with the Philadelphia Eagles started with a fumble, but he bounced back and scored a big touchdown.
When the Eagles offense took to the field Friday night in Brazil for their first matchup of the season against the Green Bay Packers, the plan was to give Barkley his first carry of the game on a toss play.
However, as soon as Barkley caught the toss, he slipped and fell for a five-yard loss.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley warms up before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Neo Quimica Arena, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Doug Behnk)
Barkley's slip determined the early momentum of the Eagles' offense. On the next play, Hurts threw an incomplete pass. On third down, he threw an interception that led to a Packers field goal.
On Philadelphia's next drive, Barkley again had a chance to carry the ball, but only managed three yards. Two plays later, the Eagles lost the ball again on a fumble off the snap, setting up another field goal.
But Barkley bounced back with an 18-yard touchdown run on the team's third drive to give the Eagles a 7-6 lead and reach the end zone for the first time in the 2024 season.
While the Eagles will be playing in unfamiliar territory at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the field surface will be exactly what they're used to.
After Isaiah Likely's touchdown was overturned, the Ravens were slammed with a cruel one-liner from Eck's Community Notes.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of a game at Neo Quimica Arena, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
The playing field at Corinthians Arena uses GrassMaster, a product that combines perennial ryegrass and artificial fibers, which is a premium version of real grass that mixes in elements of grass fibers rather than using strictly grass.
The only two stadiums in the NFL that use the same material for their playing surfaces are Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Eagles, and Lambeau Field, home of the Packers.
For Barkley, the home court is unfamiliar, but it would be good for him to get used to it.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Eric Wilson (45) during the first half of a game at Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo, Friday, September 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Barkley signed with the Eagles as a free agent after six seasons with the rival New York Giants. The Eagles' average annual salary is $15.833 million, the second highest in NFL history, but Barkley joined the Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract. The Giants placed the franchise tag on Barkley in the 2023 offseason, meaning they were unable to reach an agreement on his contract for the second consecutive year.
Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Penn State, rushed for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns in six seasons with the Giants, and also had 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.
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