Eagles-Packers player matchups to watch in Week 1 in Brazil

Eagles-Packers player matchups to watch in Week 1 in Brazil originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

SÃO PAULO — The Eagles and Packers will kick off their 2024 seasons at Corinthians Arena in Brazil on Friday night.

This is a game between two real contenders in the NFC. The Eagles have the third-shortest odds to win the NFC at +500 and the Packers are right behind them at +750.

Here are some key matchups to watch:

Eagles’ revamped secondary vs. Jordan Love

After a spectacular finish to his 2023 season, Jordan Love got paid big-time this offseason, signing a four-year contract extension worth $220 million. In his first season as a full-time starter last year, Love completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,159 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. And then Love was great in the Packers’ playoff win over the Cowboys, throwing for 272 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Packers clearly saw enough of Love to think he’s going to be a star in the NFL and that’s hard to argue.

But against the Eagles, Love will face a revamped secondary. While Darius Slay is still the CB1, the Eagles drafted Quinyon Mitchell in the first round, got Isaiah Rodgers back from suspension and brought back C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency. The Eagles also hired Vic Fangio to be their defensive coordinator and Fangio brings with him decades of experience and a defense that is great at disguising coverages.

The Eagles last season ended up with the 31st ranked pass defense in the NFL and by the end of the season Matt Patricia’s unit was clueless. So it’s a low bar to clear, but the Eagles should be much, much better in 2024.

Quinyon Mitchell vs. Jayden Reed

While Mitchell is likely going to be an outside cornerback in the base package, the rookie is expected to slide inside on nickel downs. That’s where he’ll face Reed, who actually led the Packers in receiving as a rookie with 793 yards and 8 touchdowns on 64 catches. And about 72% of Reed’s snaps came in the slot. It’s worth…

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Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-09-04 11:00:00

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