PHILADELPHIA — Dallas Goedert showcased impressive tenacity as he fought through a series of tackles on his way to the end zone, embodying the spirit of a city famous for its sports grit. In a vital game where the Philadelphia Eagles welcomed back quarterback Jalen Hurts, the team delivered a compelling performance against the Green Bay Packers.
Hurts, making his return after a concussion sidelined him for three weeks, completed two touchdown passes during the match. Despite finishing with only 131 passing yards, he opened the game strong by completing his first six attempts. A highlight of the evening included a remarkable 24-yard touchdown pass to Goedert in the third quarter, where Goedert powered through defenders, a play that will likely be remembered in franchise playoff history.
“That was a really fun play. It might be my favorite touchdown of my career,” Goedert shared after the game. “I had one guy to beat and I was able to do that. I’m not ready to go home, and I was going to do whatever it took to help the team get the ‘W.’”
The Eagles’ defense played a pivotal role, capitalizing on opportunities and holding the Packers’ offense at bay. After recovering a fumble on the initial kickoff, the Eagles quickly secured a touchdown on Hurts’ pass. The defense also picked off quarterback Jordan Love twice in the first half, and with the Eagles holding a 19-10 lead in the fourth quarter, they forced a crucial turnover on downs. The game’s final interception, made by Quinyon Mitchell, allowed the Eagles to secure their victory, ensuring they will host a divisional game next week.
Hurts emphasized the importance of getting into a rhythm earlier in the game. “It’s been an odd year in a sense of how choppy it’s been… Being back and just getting into that rhythm and leaving it all out there right now, that’s what it’s about,” he stated.
Running back Saquon Barkley, who had a standout performance leading the NFL in rushing yards, added to his team’s efforts during this postseason debut—a milestone worth noting for him personally given his past experiences.
“Last year, I was on my couch watching playoff football and I tweeted that I gotta find a way to get back in it,” Barkley reflected, proud to be part of this team now. “I’m just happy to be here.”
Despite the victory, the game also had its lighter moments, like when wide receiver A.J. Brown decided to read “Inner Excellence” by Jim Murphy while on the sidelines.
On the other side, Love managed to throw for 212 yards but struggled significantly, facing three interceptions and two sacks, which hindered the Packers’ performance. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the Eagles’ defense, stating they were effective in neutralizing their run game.
Josh Jacobs contributed significantly to Green Bay’s offense with a notable touchdown run, showcasing his strength and resilience throughout the game even as they fell behind in points.
Further solidifying a lead, Hurts orchestrated an impressive offensive strategy, with Jake Elliott capitalizing on a penalty to successfully kick a 30-yard field goal, extending the Eagles’ margin to 19-10. Yet, Elliott appeared to seek redemption after earlier missing an extra point on Goedert’s touchdown.
The Eagles’ home stadium erupted with energy, particularly when Hurts was introduced back into action. From the initial fumble recovery to the quick touchdown sequences, fans clearly enjoyed every moment.
Given the effort put forth by their defense, coach Nick Sirianni also expressed mixed feelings about the offense’s performance, acknowledging Hurts’ determination to win as a fundamental part of the team. “I don’t think we had the game we wanted to have on offense,” he noted, recognizing Hurts’ role in the game.
In terms of injuries, the Packers faced a challenging night, losing key players to various injuries. For the Eagles, linebacker Nakobe Dean exited early with a knee injury that could sideline him for the next games.
Looking ahead, the Eagles now await their next opponent, potentially facing either Tampa Bay, the Minnesota Vikings, or the Los Angeles Rams, while the Packers’ season has come to an end.
