All-Around Effort Lifts Philly Over the Packers 22-10
In the Eagles' first playoff game of the season, QB Jalen Hurts tossed two touchdown passes in his first game since suffering a late-season concussion, while Dallas Goedert showcased his strength with three impressive stiff-arms on a rugged touchdown catch. The Eagles surged to victory, leveraging their NFL-best defense for a decisive 22-10 wild-card playoff win on Sunday night.
Despite throwing for a modest 131 yards, Hurts demonstrated remarkable confidence in his return after a three-week hiatus due to the concussion he sustained in December. He started the game with a flourish, completing six consecutive passes, an early indication of his intent to re-establish his rhythm. Notably, Hurts solidified his return with a spectacular 24-yard touchdown pass to Goedert in the third quarter. This catch not only exemplified Goedert's tenacity as he powerfully brushed off Carrington Valentine, but it also etched the play into the franchise's postseason highlight reel, destined to be remembered by fans for years to come. It must also be noted that Saquon Barkley had yet another vintage performance in his first postseason game since the Giants' loss at the hands of Philadelphia in 2022. Barkley delivered 119 yards on 25 carries, aiding this Philly offense on the ground. The Eagles' defense, staunch and unyielding, took care of the rest, consistently stifling any offensive momentum that the Packers attempted to build.
The game started with a bang for Philadelphia, as a recovered fumble on the opening kickoff quickly turned into Hurts' first touchdown pass just three plays later, setting the tone for the night. The Eagles' defense was equally relentless, intercepting Jordan Love twice in the first half and creating turnovers that shifted the momentum firmly in favor of Philadelphia. With a 19-10 lead in the fourth quarter, the Eagles flexed their defensive muscle again, forcing a turnover on downs when Green Bay faced a critical fourth-and-3 deep in their own territory, demonstrating the Eagles' ability to capitalize on high-pressure situations.
As the clock wound down, Quinyon Mitchell delivered the final blow with an interception of Love at 1:51 left in the game, sealing the victory for the NFC East champions. This win not only highlighted the Eagles' high-flying roster but also set the stage for a thrilling divisional round matchup next Sunday against the Rams, where they aim to continue their playoff journey with the same fierce determination they exhibited against Green Bay.