Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) returns a kick-off against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in the NFC wild-card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Watch: Disaster strikes for Packers on opening kick vs. Eagles

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Jan 12, 2025 5:28 PM ET

The Packers had a nightmarish start to their wild-card game against the Eagles.

Green Bay lost a fumble on a controversial call during the opening kickoff, which directly led to a Philadelphia touchdown.

Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon lost the ball on a big hit from Eagles linebacker Oren Burks. With the ball on the turf, the replay showed Nixon lunging for the ball and seeming to regain possession. However, Eagles rookie linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. emerged from the scrum with the football, giving Philadelphia possession at the Green Bay 28-yard line.

Eagles lay a big hit to force a turnover on the opening kickoff!

: #GBvsPHI on FOX
: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/3FCqI3NcIT
— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2025

That's how you bring the boom.

: #GBvsPHI on FOX
: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/dv89DKofVp
— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2025

It only took Philadelphia three plays to cash in on the miscue with a touchdown when Green Bay gave quarterback Jalen Hurts far too much time to stand in the pocket (6.7 seconds to be exact) and complete a pass in the end zone to wide receiver Jahan Dotson for a 7-0 lead.

Jalen Hurts with all the time in the world. Touchdown Jahan Dotson!

: #GBvsPHI on FOX
: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/oXahvjT2mR
— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2025

Per BetMGM, the Packers were a 5.5-point road underdog entering Sunday's game. (h/t The Athletic) So far this wild-card weekend, all three home teams have won.

Green Bay found itself in an early hole because of its brutal opening kickoff fumble. For a team looking to pull off an upset, the Packers couldn't have dreamed of a worse start.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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