Tori Sheffer

Week One of the 2024 NFL season is in the books.

The Eagles flew south for the beginning of the season playing the first-ever NFL game in Brazil for week one, and fans got to learn a lot about the 2024 team with this game against Green Bay in São Paulo. Thanks to Saquon Barkley and the defense, the Birds chalked up their first “W” of the season by winning it 34-29. 

When the Eagles signed the star running back this past offseason, fans across the lower mid-Atlantic states rejoiced while our North Jersey and New York neighbors griped at losing their team’s cornerstone player. Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2018’s Offensive Rookie Player of the Year, signed a three-year 37.75 million dollar deal of which $26 million is guaranteed and could increase to $46.75 with bonuses. During game one, anyone could watch him start earning his keep, bonuses included. During the game last Friday night he racked up 132 yards with three touchdowns, which is the first game since his rookie season in which he had a three TD start. A new duo emerged this season as Jalen Hurts and Saquon’s undeniable chemistry was displayed for all to see, especially during Hurt’s rocky first quarter. One thing is for sure, no one would’ve expected just how great of a fit Barkley would be for this offense last season, but Eagles fans across the globe are even more excited to welcome Barkley with a true Philly welcome this upcoming Monday during Week 2’s home opener.    

While the offense’s MVP was clearly Saquon last week, the rest of the offense also had a great week one start. Hurts threw 20 of 34, 58.8%, which was good for 278 yards, and ended the game with two touchdowns, and two interceptions. AJ Brown also played well when he caught 5 passes for 119 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown. Looking at the numbers, however, the Birds weren’t setting São Paulo on fire last Friday night. They averaged about 5.5 yards-per-play and 7.3 plays-per-drive, with a 36% 3rd down efficiency rate and a 40% 4th down efficiency rate. 

This is a big year for Jalen, and one thing the football world is hoping for him is the ability to make wiser decisions with the ball so it can stay in the Eagles’ possession for longer. Since Week 1 of the 2023 season, Hurts has had 23 giveaways in 19 games played. We know his running game is on par, and now having Barkley the team’s run game as a whole will be greater this year, but in terms of passing Jalen needs to think  Another thing noted early on in the game, especially when the Eagles had the ball, was the field’s slippery conditions, and the other apparent vacancy was Jason Kelce’s scruffy beard and veteran presence at Center. One of the offense’s weakest links this past week was, unfortunately, Cam Jurgens, 2024’s Center; however, perhaps the field’s conditions in addition to Jurgens still getting acquainted with his new position’s demands and quirks were destined to be at odds during this Week 1 start. Jason Kelce did go on the record essentially saying that once Jurgens does know his position’s needs and the team’s demands more, he will be “better” than Kelce, who also struggled with the Center position his rookie season. 

It should be noted that the Eagles might not have had as pleasant of a ride back to Philly if it weren’t for the team’s defense, more specifically the defense’s ability to hold Green Bay back in the red zone. Zack Baun was incredible last Friday night when he led the team with 15 total tackles including 11 solo tackles and two sacks. No other defender finished the game that night with more than 8 total tackles/4 solos. He was the most consistent linebacker the Eagles had in Week 1 totaling 100% of defensive play against the Green Bay offense; however, one could easily argue that Safety Reed Blankenship could’ve been the defense MVP last week. Without Blankenship’s interception on the Green Bay 25, with 4:26 left in the 3rd, the game would’ve been a much narrower win because this play is what set up Barkley’s third touchdown. Another great defender worth mentioning is rookie Quinyon Mitchell. With his first NFL start barely phasing him, Mitchell’s skills and swagger were on display and he is easily going to be a breakout star to watch this season. The Birds’ 2024 first-round pick had himself a successful first NFL start finishing the game with two passes defended. He’s young, and the Eagles still have Darius Slay Jr. to hold down the back of the field; however, coaches and fans alike couldn’t have asked for more of Mitchell during his outing. Same with Nakobe Dean, other than the missed pick-6 which led to a Packers touchdown two plays later, Dean played great. There are questions of course as to Dean’s ability to drop into coverage, but for the most part, he is coming into his own as well. 

As we look ahead to Week 2’s home opener, a lot is happening for Eagles fans: the possibility of being 2-0, Nick Foles’ retirement, Jason Kelce’s homecoming as an analyst on ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage, there is a lot to be excited for. The Falcons are coming off an 18-10 loss in which newly acquired Kirk Cousins completed just 61.5% of his passes with only one touchdown to TE Kyle Pitts. Our offense, while strong, could allow Cousins to connect with Pitts again in the end zone, and if not him then perhaps WR Drake London. If the Eagles have studied last week’s tapes, they could potentially mirror the Steelers’ gameday plan which was to make Atlanta pay during offensive runs, and with Saquon coming off of his legendary Week 1 start and Jalen wanting to prove himself with each start he gets, the Birds could easily show up and show off in front of the home crowd. Here’s looking ahead to some good football on Monday night!