Credited from: APNEWS
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles triumphed 22-10 over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC wild-card playoff on Sunday night, showcased by Jalen Hurts' return from injury and Dallas Goedert’s standout touchdown catch. Hurts connected on two touchdown passes, completing 13 of 21 attempts for a modest yet effective 131 yards in what was his first matchup since suffering a concussion in December.
In a game marked by defensive resilience, the Eagles capitalized on their NFL-best defense, forcing multiple turnovers against a struggling Packers offense. A feisty start saw the Eagles recover a fumble from Green Bay’s Keisean Nixon on the opening kickoff, creating immediate scoring opportunities for Hurts. Within just three plays, he delivered a touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson, putting the Eagles on the board early.
Dallas Goedert further fueled the Eagles’ momentum with an impressive 24-yard touchdown in the third quarter, which displayed three punishing stiff-arms against Packers defenders—an epitome of his aggressive play style that will surely be remembered in Eagles' playoff lore. “That team is really well coached and they’ve got a lot of really great players," commented running back Saquon Barkley, emphasizing the tough competition presented by the Packers.
Jordan Love, under pressure throughout the game, threw for 212 yards but faced a challenges from the Eagles' defense, leading to three interceptions, including a final clincher by rookie Quinyon Mitchell that secured Philadelphia's victory. Previous interceptions from All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun and cornerback Darius Slay further limited Green Bay’s chances to gain momentum, showcasing the Eagles’ formidable defensive lineup.
The breakdown of injuries further complicated matters for the Packers, who lost critical players, including receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, along with offensive line anchor Elgton Jenkins to various ailments during the game. Amidst these setbacks, Josh Jacobs provided a bright spot for Green Bay with a hard-fought touchdown run that briefly cut the Eagles’ lead to 16-10.
The Eagles extended their lead with two field goals from Jake Elliott in the fourth quarter, providing much-needed breathing room as they polished off Green Bay’s season. “At the end of the day, no matter how it looks, just want to get the win,” said Barkley, projecting confidence as the team moves forward.
As NFC East champions, the Eagles now prepare for their next playoff challenge, set to face off against an opponent at home in Philadelphia.
This victory not only marks a notable achievement for the Eagles but also establishes them as a significant contender in the ongoing NFL playoffs. For further details, visit the original articles from USA Today, The Guardian, and AP News.