SAO PAULO, Brazil – The Packers dropped the first NFL game in South America to the Eagles, 34-29, and lost quarterback Jordan Love to an injury in the waning moments.
Here are five takeaways from the frustrating Week 1 defeat Friday night at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo:
- There was no update on Love's injury after the game.
The television broadcast had indicated Love was dealing with a calf injury, possibly from a slip on the field earlier in the game. On what turned out to be the third-to-last play in the fourth quarter, Love tried to avoid a sack and went down in considerable pain.
He was helped off the field and was walking more under his own power after the game but did not speak to the media. Asked what happened to Love, Head Coach Matt LaFleur answered, "I don't know."
Backup QB Malik Willis came in to try a Hail Mary but was sacked before getting the throw away.
- The Packers blew their chance to have firm control of this one early.
On the Eagles' first two possessions, the Packers took the ball away twice on a Xavier McKinney interception and Devonte Wyatt fumble recovery. Both turnovers occurred deep in Philly territory.
But Green Bay's offense sputtered due to penalties and poor execution, settling for two field goals rather than possibly taking a 14-0 lead.
A third turnover, this one a Jaire Alexander interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter, resulted in a long drive the other way. But once again, the offense bogged down and had to kick it.
On the flip side, the Eagles got one takeaway when Love threw an interception in Green Bay territory, and Philadelphia turned that into a touchdown.
"To force three takeaways against a really good offense, I feel we should win the game," LaFleur said. "Stats will tell you it's a 90 percent win ratio when you're plus-2 o the ball.
"Nine points off three turnovers, not good enough."
The Green Bay Packers kicked off their first game of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.