Vick, Eagles fall short against Packers
Michael Vick led the Eagles on a second-half comeback, but the Birds came up short in a 27-20 loss to the Packers on Sunday.
Vick, Eagles fall short against Packers
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Michael Vick led the Eagles on a furious comeback attempt in the second half, but the Birds fell short, losing to the Packers, 27-20, Sunday afternoon at the Linc.
Kevin Kolb was one of many Eagles to leave the game due to injury. Kolb suffered a concussion in the second quarter, then briefly returned to game later in the quarter. But he was ruled out in the second half.
Vick took over, completing 16 of 24 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown. He also carried 11 times for 103 yards. That rushing total was the fourth-highest in the league Sunday (as of 7:37 p.m.).
The Eagles had a chance to drive for the game-tying score in the fourth quarter. With 4:13 left, the Birds took over at their own 24 yard line and drove to the Packers' 42. Faced with a 4th-and-1, Vick attempted to rush up the middle out of the shotgun, but Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, who killed the Eagles all game, was there to stop him.
Andy Reid will update injuries in his post-game press conference, but Leonard Weaver, Stewart Bradley, Jamaal Jackson and Kolb all left the game and did not return.
Did you notice...
* That both Kolb and Bradley came back into the game in the second quarter after they suffered concussions? Neither player returned in the second half.
* That Ellis Hobbs returned kicks and DeSean Jackson returned punts? Which makes it unclear why sixth cornerback Jorrick Colvin was active.
* Who filled in for the injured Eagles? Mike McGlynn replaced Jackson at center. Omar Gaither played middle linebacker for Bradley. Eldra Buckley replaced Weaver. King Dunlap came in for Jason Peters, who left briefly in the third quarter. And Michael Vick of course replaced Kolb. Am I missing anyone?
* That the Eagles only went with two reserve linemen? They were McGlynn and King Dunlap. Both guys were on the field in the third quarter. If the Eagles suffered an injury to an offensive lineman at that point, I'm not sure who would have filled in.
* How much Antwan Barnes played? The DE acquired from the Ravens last weekend got on the field quite a bit in nickel situations.
* That by the end of the first quarter, all eight of Sean McDermott's defensive linemen who were active had played?
* That rookie Kurt Coleman saw spot action in certain defensive packages?
* That DeSean Jackson did not have his first catch until 7:49 left in the third quarter?
* That, at halftime, the Eagles had completed two total passes for 11 yards to all their wide receivers and tight ends combined?
* That the Eagles had 10 penalties for 80 yards?
* That Brandon Graham played both inside and outside?
* That Juqua Parker had two sacks in the first quarter?
* That the Eagles gave up a 51-yard kickoff return in the third quarter immediately after cutting the lead to 20-10? Aaron Rodgers ended up hitting Greg Jennings for a 32-yard touchdown on the drive, increasing the lead to 27-10.
* That Brent Celek's first catch did not come until 12:51 in the fourth quarter?
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OL gets Kolb killed as just about everybody predicted on the boards. Jamaal Jackson out for the year as predicted by many here.— jimmyj- The OL actually played better than I anticipated. Kolb hangs on to the ball too long. He still has a lot to learn. He also seems small and fragile compared to McNabb's big body. I think he can be good but it will take time. The D played well. Graham and Allen look like solid picks.— s
- Too bad Vick didn't get that first down in the 4th quarter. He tried to take the game in his hands and messed up. Goes to show you the way the Eagles will play this year. Way to go Green Bay!— MRD
- Funniest line of the day from the broadcast: Troy Aikamn speaking: "McDermott says Ernie Sims is a shark in the water like Brian Dawkins. You have to account for him on every play." Dawkins (last 4 years) 4 sacks, 8 int's, 12 forced fumbles. Sims (last 4 years) 2.5 sacks 0 int's and 4 forced fumbles. Sims today 5 tackles, no sacks, no int's, no forced fumbles, but he DID avoid getting his face stepped on when Kuhn ran him over on his 11 yard run!— jimmyj
The Eagles will be fine. We go though pre season plus for the start of the regular season every year. Freewheelin' Mike Vick is better than Kolb, for this offense, right now.— road515- Deja vu. The Eagles weren't ready to start the season. Again. Different QB. Same result: Abysmal clock management. Abysmal play calling. Abysmal preparation. How much longer does Reid get a free pass? Go Phillies.— farside37
- The Eagles will not be fine, you morons. They are done for 2010, and this is due to poor management both during game situations and in terms of the big situation. Very ugly.— barcelona fan
- Barcelona, you sound Spanish. Jump off the bandwagon. You will see the Eagles play better in 5 more games. See ya.— road515
Weird game. Really hated the playcalling in the 1st quarter when the Eagles offense was getting some momentum w/ the run game. Regardless the QB, subbing the QB's in and out on 1st and 2nd down has not worked, and has been counter-productive to the flow of the offense. I can't believe that they're still trying to force it. 3rd and short, yeah I can see it. 1st and 10, 2nd and 9, it doesn't work...Hope Kolb and Bradley aren't out too long. The season is still young. Lots of football to be played.- JJ out for the year is a huge blow. Will be interesting to see what the Eagles do as far as the O-line...
- The kick off coverage stunk. Too many penalties. The offense stunk and consists of nothing more than Vick runs. The defense is inconsistent. This team has a lot of work to do. In spite of it all they were there at the end. Most of the problems can be lessened but with a roster that lacks dept we can't afford many injuries.— PhillyTru
- Poor play selection again in the clutch. Andy Reid can kill any momnentum a team has with his horrible play calling. That Qb run at the end was typical Reid decision SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This team is never prepared right on opening day. Penelties, no running plays to help the QB out. Pass pass and pass again. pitiful— PhillyNH
Comment removed.- kolb looked lost. i think he stinks.. vick atleast is fun to watch. as predicted, trading donovan was a diaster. andy reid also is the worst game manager in the league. the d looked good though. 6-10, brutal season ahead— sore richard
Good thing the Eagles have training camp and four preseason games, so their preparation is honed to a fine edge when the season starts.
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