David Bakhtiari calls out the NFL for playing surface in Packers-Eagles Brazil game

He has a point.
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari / Mark Hoffman-Imagn Images
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David Bakhtiari's rivalry with NFL field surfaces continues.

The former Green Bay Packers All-Pro called out the league shortly after Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles at MetLife Stadium in Week 1 of the 2023 season. And there are frustrations with the playing surface in Sao Paulo for the Packers' opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Players on both teams have struggled with their footing, and it could also explain some of the tackling issues. Saquon Barkley slipped on his first carry as an Eagles player, losing five yards.

Bakhtiari isn't a fan.

David Bakhtiari isn't a fan of the Packers-Eagles Week 1 playing surface

Both teams have found it difficult, and Bakhtiari believes there needs to be a consistent playing surface across the league so players know what to expect. The five-time All-Pro called out the NFL in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).

"My brother and I were saying players should be pissed about this. There needs to be a consistent playing surface across all fields that players step on," Bakhtiari wrote. "They got more than enough money. Spend a little to get a lot back. The fans and players deserve it."

Bakhtiari has a point. It's a problem the NFL has run into when playing games on a soccer field at Wembley Stadium in London. However, to the league's defense, players losing their footing is also a consistent issue at Lambeau Field.

In 2022, the Vikings complained about the playing surface in Green Bay. The Packers had better preparation and knew which cleats to wear.

It's not a new problem. Is it the league's fault, or should teams be more prepared?

Questions continue to arise about playing surfaces around the league, especially the conversation about natural grass versus artificial turf and the added risk of injury.

The Packers and Eagles are putting on an entertaining show in Brazil, but Bakhtiari's point is still valid.

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