The Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers have lucked into the opportunity of a lifetime with a trip to Brazil to kick off their seasons. As both teams gear up for the big game on Friday night, tensions are running high as players like safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerback Darius Slay express their concerns about the lengthy journey.
Head coach Nick Sirianni is quick to address the questions and complaints surrounding the trip, emphasizing the team’s ultimate goal of playing and winning a football game. “We’re going there to play and win a football game. That’s our goal. That’s our only goal as we go down there,” Sirianni told reporters, exuding confidence in his team’s abilities.
But are the players truly excited about this unique opportunity? Sirianni seems to think so. “We’re excited about the opportunity to play in a neutral site and have a slightly different schedule of things that happen,” he says, highlighting the positives of the international game experience.
However, there is a lingering skepticism among some players about starting their season as the ambassadors of American football in South America. With the added challenge of a nationwide ban on Twitter, the excitement may be dampened for some.
Sirianni remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of controlling what they can control and maintaining a positive attitude amidst the challenges that come their way. “We’ll control the things we need to control. Just like when a game rains, the team that handles the rain and looks at the rain as a — that they’re ready for it, is going to be able to play better in the rain,” he explains, drawing parallels between adapting to the unfamiliar territory and handling unexpected variables in football games.
As the Eagles and the Packers gear up for their international showdown, they are focused on staying true to their core values and giving it their all on the field. The game in Brazil promises to be an exciting test for both teams, as they navigate the challenges of playing in a neutral site and rise to the occasion in a new football frontier.
