PHILADELPHIA – In a playoff match likely not to be replayed often on NFL Network, the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Green Bay Packers with a score of 22-10 on Sunday in the NFC wild-card round.

Dallas Goedert powered through defenders for a 24-yard touchdown in the third quarter while the Eagles’ defense effectively managed Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and a struggling Green Bay receiving team, leading to their victory.

Neither quarterback delivered a standout performance. For Philadelphia, Jalen Hurts started with six successful passes but stumbled with seven misses afterward, ultimately completing 13 out of 21 passes for 131 yards. He also rushed five times for 37 yards, making his return after sidelining due to a concussion suffered against the Washington Commanders on December 22.

Jordan Love, who threw two interceptions, primarily depended on Jacobs and tight end Tucker Kraft for passes, as he lost key receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed to injuries during the game and Christian Watson was injured the prior week against the Chicago Bears.

Before the smoke from the pregame fireworks settled, the Eagles were already in control. Oren Burks tackled Packers returner Keisean Nixon right after the kickoff, and a review determined the Eagles took possession at the 28-yard line. Saquon Barkley quickly advanced for 16 yards with a swift move outside and a spin, bringing them into the red zone.

Just two plays later, Hurts had all the time he needed to find Jahan Dotson, who was wide open in the end zone. Dotson scored a touchdown a mere 99 seconds into the game. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Hurts took 6.75 seconds to throw the pass, the longest for a touchdown from a clean pocket this season, as no Packers defender was near.

In the second quarter’s opening play, Love attempted a deep throw to Dontayvion Wicks along the sideline, but Eagles cornerback Darius Slay intercepted the pass effortlessly while staying close. This marked Love’s first turnover after 409 plays. He quickly added another when he overlooked All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, who intercepted his pass before halftime. Love threw a final interception to Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell just before the game closed.

Packers kicker Brandon McManus, who had successfully made 20 of 21 field goals since joining in October, missed a 38-yarder, and the Packers were left with no points from a 13-play drive that only gained 37 yards and consumed 7:37 off the clock.

With multiple turnovers, penalties, and lackluster special teams play, the Packers seemed to hinder themselves just as much as the Eagles did. Nevertheless, their defense held up well, only yielding a first-half touchdown due to a short field.

Injuries also plagued the Packers. Left guard Elgton Jenkins exited early with a shoulder issue, while backup defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt suffered a lower leg injury. Doubs fell in the end zone after a risky pass from Love, and Reed later went down with a shoulder injury. Center Josh Myers was also carted off late in the fourth quarter.

Green Bay’s first significant threat came after a defensive pass interference call on Mitchell that moved them into the red zone. However, two successive end zone targets to Malik Heath and Bo Melton ended in drops, reflecting the Packers’ struggles. McManus finally succeeded with a 26-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10-3 with 5:46 remaining in the third quarter.

Despite their challenges, the Packers did find some success on third downs. Philadelphia, on the other hand, began 1-for-7 but then got a boost when Hurts connected with DeVonta Smith for a 28-yard gain, which sparked a touchdown drive to increase their lead to 16-3 – although Eagles kicker Jake Elliott missed the extra point. Goedert finished the drive with a powerful 24-yard touchdown run after stiff-arming Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine.

In the final play of the third quarter, Jacobs (who had 18 carries for 81 yards) fought through six Eagles players to nearly score a touchdown, but after a review, officials ruled he was down instead of breaking the plane. He successfully scored on the next play and the extra point put them up 16-10.

Barkley initially found some running room but wasn’t used much in the second quarter. That changed as the second half commenced with three consecutive runs for him. But Hurts was sacked on second down, leading to a play on third and long that drew boos from Philadelphia fans.

Elliott secured field goals from 30 and 32 yards in the fourth quarter, providing the Eagles needed breathing space.