Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images
In a stunning display of athleticism and skill, Saquon Barkley made history during his debut with the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6, 2024, in a thrilling game against the Green Bay Packers held in São Paulo, Brazil. Barkley not only helped lead the Eagles to a 34-29 victory but also etched his name into the franchise’s history books by scoring three touchdowns, tying the record for the most touchdowns in an Eagles debut.
Historic Performance
Saquon Barkley in his Eagles debut was nothing short of spectacular. He rushed for 109 yards on 24 carries and caught a touchdown pass, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and a receiver. His first touchdown came on an 18-yard reception from quarterback Jalen Hurts, marking an important moment in the game and giving the Eagles a 7-6 lead.
Barkley followed up with two rushing touchdowns, one from 11 yards and another from 2 yards, solidifying his performance and demonstrating why the Eagles invested $37.75 million in him during the offseason.
With this achievement, Barkley joined the ranks of Terrell Owens, who also scored three touchdowns in his Eagles debut back in 2004. This performance not only made Barkley the second player in franchise history to achieve this feat but also tied him for the most touchdowns scored by any player in their team debut since 1970.
A Game of Firsts
This matchup was particularly significant as it marked the NFL‘s first game in South America. The game was filled with excitement as both teams exchanged leads in a back-and-forth battle. Barkley’s performance was a bright spot for the Eagles, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season.
His ability to find the end zone in critical moments helped propel the Eagles to victory, and his dynamic play style was a result of the team’s decision to bring him on board. Barkley expressed his enthusiasm after the game, stating, “It meant a lot to come out here and take advantage of the opportunity to be the first team to play in South America. Not only just play but to take care of business and get the W too.”
His excitement was palpable as he reflected on the significance of scoring a touchdown on three continents, having previously scored in North America and Europe during his time with the New York Giants.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
Barkley’s debut not only earned him personal accolades but also showcased the potential of the Eagles’ offense.
Playing behind a solid offensive line and alongside talented receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Barkley looked revitalized and ready to make an impact. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Barkley’s performance, emphasizing his ability to make significant plays when it mattered most.
While the Eagles celebrated this historic debut, they also recognized the need for continued improvement, particularly in their overall team performance. Quarterback Jalen Hurts had a mixed game, throwing two interceptions but managing to lead the team effectively when it counted. The Eagles will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
