The Philadelphia Eagles Vs. the Green Bay Packers in Brazil on Friday Night Football
The NFL is heading down to Brazil for a unique Friday night game to start the season. The Green Bay Packers vs. the Philadelphia Eagles, in a clash of two NFC contenders. Both teams made the playoffs last season and look to repeat that feat this year. Even though this game is during the first week of the season, it still could have playoff implications if both teams live up to their lofty expectations.
Key Matchups
Eagles defensive line vs. Packers offensive line
The Packers’ offensive line is considered middle of the pack, propped up by young star tackle Zach Tom. Green Bay also hopes for a bounce back from Elgton Jenkins. Jenkins settled in as a full-time left guard last season after playing both guard spots in 2022 and left tackle in 2021. It is not the strongest unit out there but far from the weakest.
In recent years, the Eagles’ defensive line has been one of, if not the strongest, unit on the roster. With Fletcher Cox retiring, Jordan Davis must take the next step after struggling last season. Jalen Carter also needs to find his first half of the season form, when he was running away with defensive rookie of the year.
Bryce Huff will also play in his first regular season game for the Eagles. It will be interesting to see his role, knowing his prominence as a pass rusher. Huff will be a staple on clear passing situations. However, after coach Vic Fangio’s comments last month, he likely won’t see much action outside of those scenarios.
Nolan Smith is another name that needs to make a year two jump. If you watched him in the playoffs against the Buccaneers, Smith’s potential was on display.
He was PFF’s fourth highest-graded edge rusher that week, with an 84.9 grade. Jordan Love was in the middle of the pack in most pressure statistics, having the 13th-lowest time to throw in the league at 2.73 seconds. Love was also pressured on 192 dropbacks, the 15th highest. These numbers check out with the quality of his offensive line. The Eagles will have to get to him early and often to keep the ball out of Love’s talented receivers’ hands.
Eagles Wide Receivers vs. Packers Defensive Backs
A night after seeing Trent McDuffie and Marlon Humphrey take on talented receivers, the league will gift us another elite corner versus elite receiver matchup. A.J. Brown against Jaire Alexander will be a must-see matchup whenever they line up across from each other. Injuries hampered Alexander’s 2023, where he only played eight games. Now, he returns to full strength on the international stage against two of the league’s best at receiver.
It remains to be seen who will be playing in the slot for the Eagles; Brown and Devonta Smith had nearly an identical number of snaps in the slot. Brown had 254 snaps, and Smith had 253 snaps. New acquisition Jahan Dotson played in the slot more than both in Washington, with 356 snaps from the slot. All three can see time in the slot, which may prove trouble for the Packers.
Behind Alexander is Eric Stokes, who missed most of last year with a foot injury, and Keisean Nixon, the team’s slot corner. The lack of a proven second cornerback could be an advantage for Philadelphia.
The Eagles have one of the best WR2s in the league in Devonta Smith. However, Stokes went in the first round of the NFL draft for a reason. So, that matchup could also draw intrigue, but I suspect the advantage to swing in Smith’s direction in that showdown.
X-Factor
New Backfield Additions
Both teams made a splash signing at running back over the off-season. Green Bay added Josh Jacobs, while the Eagles brought Saquon Barkley back to Pennsylvania. Jacobs looks to replace the production of Aaron Jones, while Barkley looks to give a new dimension to this Philadelphia offense. According to gambling lines, they both project to touch the ball approximately 17 times. Whichever back is more efficient can easily swing the outcome of this pivotal matchup.
Green Bay was near the bottom of the league in rushing defense at 27th, while Philadelphia was 11th. Barkley will have the advantage in that regard, but it was not so long ago that Josh Jacobs broke 2,000 yards from scrimmage. Barkley will also be playing behind the best offensive line of his career. So, with the different scenarios for both talented players, it will be interesting to see their immediate impact on their respective teams.
Final Thoughts
This game will be challenging for both teams, with two of the NFC’s best clashing on a neutral field; though the Eagles should squeak out of Brazil with a 27-24 victory. Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs, if he plays, will be challenging assignments for the Eagles’ secondary. Likewise for the Packers’ secondary, but the Eagles will win this game in the trenches, where they routinely invest heavy resources.
This game will boost morale after last year’s collapse and propel the Eagles back to their winning ways, but only after the Packers test this primarily new coaching staff for the Eagles.
Click here to read the Packers reporter Kyle Senra’s thoughts on this matchup.
