Introduction
On January 12, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Eagles secured a 22-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. This game, attended by 69,879 fans and broadcast on FOX, was a critical step for the Eagles in their postseason journey, while it marked the end of the Packers’ season. The matchup showcased the Eagles’ defensive prowess and the Packers’ struggles with turnovers, setting the stage for a detailed analysis of player performances and game dynamics.
Key Points
- The Philadelphia Eagles won the latest match against the Green Bay Packers 22-10 on January 12, 2025, in the NFC Wild Card game.
- Jalen Hurts threw for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Eagles, while Saquon Barkley rushed for 119 yards.
- Jordan Love had 212 passing yards but threw 3 interceptions for the Packers, impacting their performance.
- The Eagles’ defense forced 4 turnovers, which was crucial for their victory.
Game Context and Significance
The Eagles entered the game with a strong regular-season record, finishing as the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a 13-4 record, while the Packers, as the No. 7 seed, ended with an 11-6 record. This Wild Card matchup was the second meeting between the teams in the 2024 season, following a 34-29 Eagles win in Week 1 on September 6, 2024, in Brazil. The January game was crucial for playoff positioning, with the Eagles aiming to advance to the divisional round and the Packers looking to upset a higher seed. The game was officiated by referees Barry Anderson, Rick Patterson, Greg Wilson, Dale Shaw, Sarah Thomas, Brad Allen, and Daniel Gallagher, and lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Detailed Recap
The game started with a bang for the Eagles, as the Packers fumbled the opening kickoff, recovered by the Eagles, leading to an immediate touchdown by Jahan Dotson on an 11-yard pass from Jalen Hurts. This early turnover set the tone, with the Eagles’ defense forcing three more turnovers, including three interceptions from Jordan Love. The Packers struggled offensively, with Love completing 20 of 33 passes for 212 yards but throwing no touchdowns and three interceptions. The Eagles’ offense, while not explosive, managed to score 22 points, with Hurts throwing another touchdown to Dallas Goedert in the third quarter and Jake Elliott adding three field goals. The Packers’ only touchdown came from Josh Jacobs on a 1-yard rush in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
Player Performances and Statistics
Below are the detailed statistics for key players from Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats, showcasing their contributions to the game’s outcome:
Philadelphia Eagles
- Jalen Hurts (QB): 13/21 passing, 131 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs; 6 rushes, 36 yards, 0 TDs
- Hurts was efficient, completing 61.9% of his passes and throwing touchdowns to Jahan Dotson (11 yards, 1st quarter) and Dallas Goedert (24 yards, 3rd quarter). His mobility added a dual-threat dimension, though he was sacked twice for a loss of 10 yards.
- Saquon Barkley (RB): 25 rushes, 119 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 4 yards, 0 TDs
- Barkley was the workhorse of the Eagles’ rushing attack, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and keeping the offense moving on the ground, though he didn’t find the end zone.
- Dallas Goedert (TE): 4 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD; targeted 6 times
- Goedert was a reliable target for Hurts, catching four passes and scoring a crucial touchdown in the third quarter, averaging 11.8 yards per reception.
- Jahan Dotson (WR): 1 reception, 11 yards, 1 TD; targeted 2 times
- Dotson made an immediate impact, scoring on an 11-yard pass from Hurts in the first quarter, capitalizing on his limited opportunities.
- DeVonta Smith (WR): 4 receptions, 55 yards, 0 TDs; targeted 4 times
- Smith led the Eagles in receiving yards, providing a consistent option for Hurts throughout the game, averaging 13.8 yards per catch.
- Jake Elliott (K): 3/3 field goals (31 yards in 1st quarter, 30 yards in 4th, 32 yards in 4th), 1/1 extra point
- Elliott was perfect on the day, contributing 10 points to the Eagles’ total with his kicking accuracy.
- Braden Mann (P): 5 punts, 243 yards, 48.6 average, longest 63 yards
- Mann’s punting helped pin the Packers deep in their own territory, with a strong average and a long punt of 63 yards.
| Player | Position | Passing | Rushing | Receiving | Defense/Special Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Hurts | QB | 13/21, 131 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs | 6 att, 36 yds | – | – |
| Saquon Barkley | RB | – | 25 att, 119 yds | 2 rec, 4 yds | – |
| Dallas Goedert | TE | – | – | 4 rec, 47 yds, 1 TD | – |
| Jahan Dotson | WR | – | – | 1 rec, 11 yds, 1 TD | – |
| DeVonta Smith | WR | – | – | 4 rec, 55 yds | – |
| Zack Baun | LB | – | – | – | 1 interception |
| Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | – | – | – | 1 fumble recovery |
| Quinyon Mitchell | CB | – | – | – | 1 pass deflection |
Green Bay Packers
- Jordan Love (QB): 20/33 passing, 212 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INTs; 2 rushes, 10 yards, 0 TDs
- Love struggled under pressure, completing 60.6% of his passes for 212 yards but throwing three interceptions that proved costly. He was sacked twice for a loss of 17 yards.
- Josh Jacobs (RB): 18 rushes, 81 yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 40 yards, 0 TDs; targeted 3 times
- Jacobs was the Packers’ offensive bright spot, scoring their only touchdown on a 1-yard rush in the fourth quarter and providing a spark with his receiving contributions, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
- Jayden Reed (WR): 4 receptions, 46 yards, 0 TDs; targeted 4 times
- Reed led the Packers in receiving yards but couldn’t find the end zone, averaging 11.5 yards per catch.
- Tucker Kraft (TE): 5 receptions, 26 yards, 0 TDs; targeted 5 times
- Kraft was Love’s most targeted receiver, catching five passes but gaining only 26 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per reception.
- Quay Walker (LB): 8 tackles (4 solo), 0 sacks, 0 tackles for loss, 0 pass deflections, 0 quarterback hits
- Walker led the Packers in tackles but couldn’t generate pressure or turnovers.
- Kenny Clark (DT): 5 tackles (2 solo), 0 sacks, 0 tackles for loss, 0 pass deflections, 0 quarterback hits
- Clark contributed to the defensive effort but was unable to disrupt the Eagles’ offense significantly.
| Player | Position | Passing | Rushing | Receiving | Defense/Special Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Love | QB | 20/33, 212 yds, 0 TDs, 3 INTs | 2 att, 10 yds | – | – |
| Josh Jacobs | RB | – | 18 att, 81 yds, 1 TD | 3 rec, 40 yds | – |
| Jayden Reed | WR | – | – | 4 rec, 46 yds | – |
| Tucker Kraft | TE | – | – | 5 rec, 26 yds | – |
| Quay Walker | LB | – | – | – | 8 tackles (4 solo) |
| Kenny Clark | DT | – | – | – | 5 tackles (2 solo) |
Team Statistics and Comparison
The following table summarizes the team statistics, highlighting the Eagles’ edge in turnovers and defensive play:
| Statistic | Eagles | Packers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 290 | 302 |
| Passing Yards | 121 | 195 |
| Rushing Yards | 169 | 107 |
| First Downs | 16 | 17 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 2/11 (18.2%) | 5/12 (41.7%) |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 1/1 (100.0%) | 0/0 (0.0%) |
| Turnovers | 0 | 4 |
| Penalties | 7 for 64 yards | 5 for 35 yards |
| Time of Possession | 30:33 | 29:27 |
The Eagles’ zero turnovers compared to the Packers’ four was a decisive factor, with the Eagles’ defense forcing interceptions and a fumble, while their offense capitalized on these opportunities.
Strategic Insights and Analysis
The Eagles’ victory was a testament to their defensive strategy, led by coordinator Vic Fangio, which focused on pressuring Love and forcing turnovers. The three interceptions and one fumble recovery disrupted the Packers’ rhythm, with Zack Baun’s interception in the second quarter proving particularly damaging. Offensively, the Eagles relied on Barkley’s rushing attack to control the clock, while Hurts’ efficient passing kept the chains moving. The Packers, despite a solid rushing performance from Jacobs, couldn’t overcome their quarterback’s turnovers, with Love’s three interceptions stalling drives and handing momentum to the Eagles.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Opening Kickoff Fumble: The Packers fumbled the opening kickoff, recovered by the Eagles, leading to a quick touchdown by Jahan Dotson on an 11-yard pass from Hurts, setting an early 7-0 lead.
- Jalen Hurts’ Touchdown Passes: Hurts connected with Dotson in the first quarter and Goedert in the third, giving the Eagles a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, with scores of 7-0 and later 14-7.
- Jordan Love’s Interceptions: Love’s three interceptions, including one in the second quarter that led to a field goal, stalled the Packers’ offense and handed momentum to the Eagles, with the final score reflecting their inability to recover.
Playoff Context and Series Implications
This game marked the end of the Packers’ 2024 season, with their 11-6 record not enough to advance past the Wild Card round. The Eagles, with this win, advanced to the divisional round, facing the Detroit Lions, where they eventually lost. The matchup highlighted the Eagles’ defensive strength, ranked No. 1 in yards allowed during the regular season, and the Packers’ struggles against top-tier teams, finishing 0-6 against the Lions, Vikings, and Eagles in 2024.
Historical Context
The 2024 NFL season saw intense competition, with the NFC featuring strong teams like the Eagles and Packers. This Wild Card game added to their rivalry, with the Eagles’ earlier 34-29 win in Week 1 in Brazil setting the stage for their postseason meeting. The January game underscored the Eagles’ evolution under coach Nick Sirianni, while the Packers, led by Jordan Love, showed promise but couldn’t overcome their turnover issues.
Conclusion
The January 12, 2025, NFC Wild Card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers was a showcase of defensive dominance and offensive struggles. The Eagles’ 22-10 victory was driven by their defense forcing four turnovers and Hurts’ efficient passing, while the Packers’ turnovers, particularly Love’s three interceptions, proved costly. As the Eagles moved forward in the playoffs, this game will be remembered as a turning point, while the Packers look to build on their season for 2025.
