Historic Night in São Paulo: Saquon Barkley Shines in Eagles Debut and Breaks Records
In a landmark game that saw the NFL’s first touchdown in South America, Saquon Barkley made a thunderous debut for the Philadelphia Eagles, leading his new team to a thrilling 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo on Friday night.
The game, played at São Paulo’s Estádio do Morumbi, marked a historic first with Barkley’s opening touchdown becoming the first-ever in NFL history on South American soil. The play design, orchestrated by the Eagles’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, was the focal point of the night. Barrett Brooks, former NFL player and analyst, praised Moore’s play-calling prowess, highlighting how the innovative design perfectly exploited the Packers’ defensive alignment. Moore’s clever use of motion and misdirection created a clear path for Barkley to charge into the end zone, showcasing the coach’s strategic brilliance.
Barkley’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He ran for 109 yards, caught two passes for 23 yards, and scored three touchdowns, making him the first Eagle in 20 years to accomplish such a feat in his debut. The last player to achieve this was Terrell Owens against the Giants in 2004. Barkley’s trio of touchdowns also placed him in rare company as only the seventh player in NFL history to achieve this milestone in a debut.
Moreover, Barkley’s impressive debut included surpassing 100 rushing yards, a feat not seen in an Eagles debut since Charlie Garner’s 111 yards against the 49ers in 1994. His performance also tied him with DeSean Jackson for the most touchdowns in a single game as an Eagle with both rushing and receiving scores.
The NFC Offensive Player of the Week award for Barkley, marking his fourth such accolade, underscores his dominant performance. His previous Player of the Week honors came during his tenure with the Giants, including standout performances in 2018, 2019, and 2022.
This historic night also highlighted a significant move by Eagles’ General Manager Howie Roseman, who deviated from his usual policy of avoiding multi-year contracts for running backs. Roseman’s decision to sign Barkley to a three-year, $37.75 million deal at the start of free agency reflects the team’s confidence in Barkley’s impact and potential.
Other notable Eagles running backs who have earned the Offensive Player of the Week award include Herschel Walker, Charlie Garner, Ricky Watters, Duce Staley, Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles, Boston Scott, and D’Andre Swift, marking Barkley’s inclusion in an esteemed group of players.
As the NFL continues to expand its global footprint, Barkley’s debut in São Paulo will be remembered not only for its historic significance but also for the electrifying performance that has Eagles fans buzzing with excitement for the season ahead.
