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Playing surface issues plague first half of Packers vs. Eagles in Brazil

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•09/06/24•

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Former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley has shined in Philadelphia. (Photo credit: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Friday night, the NFL made history with its first game in Brazil. The Green Bay Packers held a halftime lead over the Philadelphia Eagles – but issued with the playing surface plagued both teams and generated plenty of questions.

Multiple players slipped throughout the first two quarters in Sao Paolo. Saquon Barkley hit the ground on the Eagles’ first pitch of the game, and Packers players Jordan Love and Christian Watson also had noticeable issues.

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Later, it happened on consecutive plays. Dontayvion Wicks slipped before dropping a pass and Emanuel Wilson hit the ground as he tried to stop on a first-down run. C.J. Gardner-Johnson also slid as he tried to make a cut on what ended up as a 70-yard Jayden Reed touchdown.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the issues at halftime as Green Bay took a 19-17 lead into the locker room. He chuckled when Peacock’s Kaylee Hartung asked the question and said the teams might have to make cleat adjustments.

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“We’ve got to do whatever you’ve got to do,” LaFleur said. “Change your cleats. But it’s been a problem, for sure.”

Reed had two touchdowns in the first half – one rushing and one receiving. All told, he had 79 receiving yards and 33 rushing yards through two quarters to help give Green Bay the lead.

On the Philadelphia side, Barkley made the most of his Eagles debut after signing with the franchise in free agency. He made a highlight-reel catch for a receiving touchdown and broke an 11-yard run for a rushing score to help re-take the lead. But the Packers jumped back out in front on the ensuing possession, and a Jake Elliott field goal at the buzzer put Philadelphia back within two heading into the break.

Friday night’s game marks the first for the NFL in South America as Roger Goodell tries to expand the game internationally. Of course, the London game is also returning this year, and the commissioner has plans to continue adding international matchups.

“I think the first thing we’re going to really focus on is the ownership’s approved eight games already,” Goodell said ahead of kickoff, via Pro Football Talk. “I hope to get that to 16 at some point in the future. Let’s see how that goes, but I do believe there are a number of cities internationally that could do it. It’s always a competitive side we worry about.”