The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Green Bay Packers in a rematch of their Week 1 showdown in Brazil. Much has changed from their first meeting, including over 4,000 miles between São Paulo and Philadelphia. However, the Eagles’ key players from the first game largely remain the same.
The Eagles entered the season with great uncertainty, coming off a late-season collapse and the addition of two new coordinators. Tensions were high before the first snap. Three turnovers by the Eagles and a few blown coverages didn’t help matters, but ultimately, the Eagles pulled out a 34-29 win. While a lot has changed, many of the key figures for the Eagles in their first battle with the Packers will remain important in the upcoming playoff rematch.
The Eagles’ key players from their Week 1 matchup must step up in their playoff game against the Packers.
Jalen Hurts
Some have tried to downplay the importance of Jalen Hurts in the Eagles’ offense, but his duel-threat ability has been a key component of the Eagles’ maintaining drives. Hurts impact can be particularly felt on third down. Over the last three games, which Hurts has primarily missed, the Eagles have converted just 27.91% of their third downs. That is the third worst in the league in that timespan. During the rest of the season, on average, the team has converted 41.70% of their third downs, which is 10th in the league.
Hurts’ first game against the Packers got off to a shaky start, to say the least. Hurts threw an interception and fumbled a snap on the first two offensive possessions of the season. Both turnovers occurred inside the Eagles own 20-yard line. Luckily for the Eagles, the turnovers only resulted in two field goals for the Packers. Hurts would add another interception in the fourth quarter on an ill-advised throw into the end zone. The Packers game was an outlier, as Hurts would have just seven more turnovers the rest of the regular season. To win on Sunday, Hurts must play like he has for most of the season, be efficient, and limit turnovers.
CJ Gardner Johnson
One of the most significant differences between the Eagles’ defense this year and last year has been attitude. The 2024 Eagles play with an edge that the 2023 Eagles were missing, which can partially be attributed to the Philadelphia return of Safety C.J. Gardner Johnson. Johnson leads the Eagles in interceptions with six, and he’s made multiple big tackles on third and fourth down.
The impact of Johnson was made apparent when, after he was ejected from the Eagles’ Week 16 game against the Washington Commanders, the safety play fell off a cliff. The Eagles surrendered 22 points in 13 and a half minutes. Johnson struggled in Week 1 against the Packers, allowing a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed on a blown coverage. However, like the rest of the defense, Johnson has grown as the season has progressed and has been way less prone to gaffes, such as giving up big plays.
A.J. Brown
On an offense loaded with All-Pro and Pro Bowl players, A.J. Brown may be the most critical player for the Eagles. Over the three playoff games with Brown, Hurts’ completion percentage is 66.7%, and his QB rating is 96.9. In two playoff games without Brown, Hurts has a 61.5 completion percentage, and his QB rating is 78.4.
In Week 1 against the Packers, Brown had five receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown on a 68-yard catch and run. The Packers will be without star cornerback Jaire Alexander, so that is one area the Eagles will certainly key in on.
Zack Baun
Zack Baun has arguably been the MVP of the Eagles’ defense this season. AP voters agree, with Baun earning First Team All-Pro honors at linebacker.
Baun had his breakout game in Brazil against the Packers, wracking up 15 tackles and two sacks. This included the sack that sealed the game for the Eagles. Baun must continue to be a force in the Eagles’ pass and run game, especially against Josh Jacobs, who ran for over 1,300 yards this season.
Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley has made a strong case to be the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. Barkley began that campaign in Week 1 against the Packers. Barkley had 24 carries for 109 yards, two touchdowns and two receptions for 23 yards, and a touchdown on a slippery field.
The Eagles need Barkley to continue doing what he has done all season, be the steady hand that is the rock of the offense, and have home run-hitting ability at any given time. Barkley will have his hands full, as the Packers have been a top-10 rushing defense on the season.
Almost an entire season has passed since the Eagles and Packers last faced off. Both teams are different, but for the Eagles, many of the same players who were key in their Week 1 victory will need to step up again in their first playoff game to advance to the next round and continue their championship dreams.
Main Image: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
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