The Eagles and the Packers are heading down south, all the way to Brazil, kicking off their season with a game on Friday night. This isn’t just any trip—it’s a marathon of miles and an adventure unto itself. On Sunday, the Eagles’ head coach, Nick Sirianni, addressed some serious questions and a few grumblings from players like safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerback Darius Slay.
On a Mission to Win
“We’re going there to play and win a football game,” Sirianni told reporters, his face a picture of determination. “That’s our **goal**. That’s our only goal as we head down there. It’s all about getting everyone in the right mindset. Control the controllables. We’re heading to Brazil to play football. That’s the bottom line. And yes, we’re excited about it.”
Excitement or Reluctance?
Sirianni’s cheerful demeanor might lead some to question, are they really pumped up about this? “We’re excited about the opportunity to play at a neutral site and experience a different schedule,” he added.
Positives in a Long Journey
The journey has its bright sides according to Sirianni: “It’s like having a big bye, a mini bye, coming off it. There are a lot of positives. Plus, we get to spread the game to a new country, which is exciting.”
Are the Players On Board?
While the coach is brimming with optimism, are the players sharing his enthusiasm? After all, it’s the owners who truly feast on the international exposure of the NFL. For players, becoming ambassadors of American football in Brazil, especially with a nationwide ban on Twitter/X, doesn’t sound as glamorous.
“That’s what we’re all saying,” Sirianni emphasized. “We’re controlling what we can. Just like when playing in the rain—the team that embraces the conditions and prepares for them always plays better.”
He continued, “It’s the same for a neutral site, whether it’s London or anywhere else. It’s good preparation. These unpredictable elements pop up in the NFL all the time. Short weeks, unexpected schedule changes… What we can control is our effort, attitude, and core values. That’s our focus this week.”
A Tough Sell to the Locker Room
It all sounds convincing, but it might be a hard sell to the Eagles’ locker room. None of their competitors are starting their season **so far from home**. Moreover, their reward for returning from Brazil, win or lose, is straightforward—it’s back to the grind.
Extra Recovery Time
The silver lining? Unlike the Packers, who go head-to-head at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, the Eagles have until Monday night to face the Falcons. A small advantage, but one that could prove crucial as they shake off the jet lag and get back into fighting form.
