Eagles, Lions looking to get back on track

The Eagles and Lions began last Sunday suffused with optimism.

They had drafted building blocks of their futures, endured training camp, and ran out for a new season behind youthful quarterbacks they hoped could chart encouraging new courses for their franchises.

And then, things went wrong.

If Week 1 was the start of a new journey, the Eagles and Lions each blew out a tire backing out of their driveways.

By the end of the first half of each team's game, the young quarterbacks were out indefinitely. Both teams lost.

After seven days to patch things up and get their offenses rolling again, the teams hope to get back on the road to improvement Sunday in Detroit.

While the Lions actually came closer to a positive result last week - having nearly won only to be stopped by a disputed call - the Eagles would seem to have the upper hand when it comes to getting back on track.

They have more talent throughout their roster, and perhaps nowhere is the gap so pronounced than at backup quarterback, the position that could prove pivotal this week with both team's regular starters sidelined.

On the Eagles' side is Michael Vick, who nearly rallied his team last week with sharp throws and a vintage display of speed.

"He adds a whole other dimension to the game, particularly with his running skills," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said after last Sunday's 27-20 Packers win. "Michael Vick is still a very dynamic player."

It's unlikely any reserve quarterback can match Vick, a three-time Pro Bowler, for athletic prowess or NFL wins.

Vick, who replaced the concussed Kevin Kolb to start the second half, will face different challenges this week, though. The Lions, who looked capable on defense against the Bears, will have a full week to plan for him. Vick will also have to face them for a full game, giving the team time to adjust to his abilities.

Vick was sharp while throwing the ball and dazzling when running against the Packers. But he has often been an inconsistent passer. The Eagles will need him to retain the form he showed Sunday.

Still, whatever shortcomings Vick has had, his experience and pure talent should provide much more confidence than the history and first-week play of Lions quarterback Shaun Hill, who will be filling in for the injured Matthew Stafford.

In one half of play last week after Stafford left the game with a shoulder injury, Hill was 9 for 19 passing for 88 yards, threw an interception, and lost a fumble. The Lions scored no points with him at the helm and picked up four first downs - three on their final drive, when the Bears were protecting a lead.

In nine years in the NFL, Hill has 16 starts. Most came recently. He played in 18 games in the previous three years.

"We traded for Shaun Hill then signed him to an extension for just a situation like what happened in the second half, when he had to go in and play," said Lions head coach Jim Schwartz. "We have a lot of confidence in Shaun. If Shaun has to be our quarterback, then we're not going to change a whole lot."

The Lions, though, thought they would be heading into their home opener with Stafford, last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, leading what the team hopes is a recovery from years in the NFL's basement.

The Eagles expected to have Kolb throwing most of their passes.

But Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin said changes are part of life in the NFL.

"Things don't always go as planned, and when they don't, you've got to make adjustments along the way," Maclin said.

For one team, the adjustments this week will lead to a win and restore some of the hope it opened the season with. For the other, reasons for optimism will slip just a little further away.