The Saquon Barkley era began with him falling for the Philadelphia Eagles, but he then got back up to score a big touchdown.
When the Eagles offense took the field for its first drive of the season against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil on Friday night, the plan was to give Barkley the first carry of the game on a throwing play. But when Barkley caught the throw, he immediately slipped and fell for a five-yard loss.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) warms up before an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)
Barkley’s slide set the tone for the Eagles’ offense early. On the next play, Hurts threw an incomplete pass and then, on third down, threw an interception that set up a Packers field goal.
Then, on Philadelphia’s next drive, Barkley had another chance to carry the ball, but got only three yards. Then, two plays later, the Eagles lost the ball again on a fumbled snap, which set up another field goal.
However, Barkley redeemed himself on the team’s third drive of the game, when he caught an 18-yard touchdown to give the Eagles a 7-6 lead and their first trip to the end zone of the 2024 season.
Although the Eagles are playing in unfamiliar territory, with the game taking place at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the pitch surface is exactly what they are used to.
RAVENS ROASTED BY COMMUNITY X NOTES WITH BRUTAL ONE-LINER AFTER ISAIAH LIKELY’S CANCELLED TOUCHDOWN
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL football game, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
The playing surface at Corinthians Arena uses GrassMaster, a product that combines perennial ryegrass with artificial fibres. This is effectively a sophisticated version of natural grass mixed with elements of grass fibres, as opposed to the strict use of turf.
The two NFL stadiums 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, it’s not a surface he’s used to on his home court, but he better get used to it.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Eric Wilson (45) during the first half of an NFL football game, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Barkley made the infamous decision to sign with the Eagles in free agency after six seasons with the arch-rival New York Giants. Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract to join the Eagles, who have a maximum annual average salary of $15.833 million, which would be the second-highest for a running back in NFL history. He and the Giants have failed to agree on a contract for the second straight offseason, after the Giants were forced to franchise Barkley in the 2023 offseason.
Barkley, the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Penn State, rushed for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns in his six seasons with the Giants. He also had 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
