The Philadelphia Eagles failed to capitalize on a couple of errant first-half throws from Jordan Love in Friday's matchup in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but managed to make the Packers quarterback pay for his mistakes in the third quarter.
With 6:14 remaining in the period, Eagles third-year safety Reed Blankenship made a diving interception on an ill-advised pass from Love, which was intended for tight end Luke Musgrave, who was heavily covered.
WE'VE SEEN THIS ONE BEFORE @reedus99_reed pic.twitter.com/yemZ8aCocm
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 7, 2024
The former undrafted free-agent Blankenship's fifth career interception set the Eagles up with excellent field position, and it wasn't long before the offense cashed in on the turnover.
On second-and-one from Green Bay's two-yard line, RB Saquon Barkley scored his third touchdown of his Eagles debut.
SAQUON BARKLEY HAS THREE TDS IN HIS @EAGLES DEBUT.
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2024
: #GBvsPHI on Peacock pic.twitter.com/WNuj78udYi
Barkley, who signed a three-year, $37.75M deal with Philadelphia this past offseason after spending the last six seasons with NFC East rival New York, previously scored on an 18-yard reception and 11-yard rush in the first half. It’s worth mentioning that the two-time Pro Bowler only scored three touchdowns in a single game once as a Giant.
According to CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr, Barkley is just the second Eagles player to score a hat trick in their debut with the team, with the other being wideout Terrell Owens (2004).
For what it's worth, Philadelphia advanced to Super Bowl XXXIX in Owens' first season with the team. Perhaps history will repeat itself once again in February.
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