Kolb ignites Eagles and QB controversy
Eagles 31, Falcons 17
Kolb ignites Eagles and QB controversy
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
Gentlemen, start your quarterback controversies.
Kevin Kolb has played his way back into a conversation that Eagles coach Andy Reid is clearly uncomfortable having. Just as Michael Vick played well when Kolb got hurt, Kolb now has played well while Vick was hurt. And after this one, after a 31-17 win over an Atlanta Falcons team that arrived at Lincoln Financial Field as one of the top teams in the NFC, well, it will take all of Reid's considerable experience to keep the Vick-Kolb conundrum from consuming his locker room in the same way that it is likely to consume the fan base.
Kolb was very good against the Falcons: 23 for 29 for 326 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. His quarterback rating was 133.6. He has gotten better with every game this season, and that is undeniable. Why Reid decided to throw away his off-season game plan and switch to Vick as his starter remains the story of the season. Whether or not he could possibly switch back to Kolb when Vick is recovered from his cracked rib cartilage -- perhaps as soon as next Sunday at Tennessee -- figures to be the subject of an intense debate in the coming hours and days.
As will this: when might wide receiver DeSean Jackson be back?
On the second play of the second quarter, Jackson was illegally jacked up by the Falcons' Dunta Robinson. Kolb, under pressure, floated a pass out to Jackson on the left side. He caught it, landed on one foot, and then was about to land his first definitive stride when Robinson hit him about chin-high with his helmet. (Robinson received a penalty for hitting Jackson while defenseless.)
Both players collapsed and remained on the field for several minutes before walking to their respective dressing rooms with assistance. Both were described as having head injuries. There was no specific mention of a concussion, but it is fair to wonder when that announcement might be coming.
This was the first game this year where Kolb and Jackson were able to connect as they did in Kolb's two starts last year. When he left the game, Jackson already had a 34-yard receiving touchdown and a 31-yard rushing touchdown. Now, though, it is hard to predict when he might be back.
As for the Eagles' defense, for the second week in a row, it has accomplished Job 1: preventing the opposing running game from dominating. Last week in San Francisco, it was Frank Gore. Against Atlanta, it was Michael Turner. He was the concern and he did not come close to being a major problem: 15 carries, 45 yards, no big deal.
And so, the Eagles are suddenly 4-2, which is about as good as it gets in the NFC in 2010.
Vote: Grade the Eagles' performance
i'm happy for kolb and the eagles. but the falcons have to be the worse 4-1 team ever. they looked bad on both sides of the ball. i must say, great game plan by the coaches. kolb didnt do anything that vick couldnt today. but vick can still do what only he can do. i like our situation. trade bait one way or the other. i expect reid will stick with vick
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Let the new Kob era begin. Great performance against a quality opponent. Did you see that bomb to Maclin into the wind? Time to let him develop for real. Of course, stubborn Reid probably won't let go of his social project.
Rich, did you have this typed up at halftime? Kevin played well and i think had the coaches let the competition in training camp, we would have had this sorted out already, but its a good situation to be in, I like his confidence, although i doubt that Kevin faces such a poor defense as the Atlanta falcons put out there again...so lets be sure here...— jameslaka- rich,KK just beat the best team in the NFC,,it should be his job for the next 10 years....KK is the MAN!!...BIRDS 2012-SB........wolf.— wolf 4
- I would stick with Kolb for two reasons: 1. He's got the hot hand. 2. Vick still isn't pain-free, and there isn't any need to rush him back out there as long as Kolb is getting the job done. But when it's all said and done, I think Reid will go with Vick.— Ltown215
- I personally find the week to week roller coaster hilarious. One week Vick's the best...Kolb has a good game and now he's the best
Kolb had a great game. Thought he was checking it down too much at 1st but then he made some nice passes for those TD passes and on some other plays. Does it mean I'm gonna start hailing Kolb as a great like many others will?? Not really, he has to show me that he can be a full season QB. Coming in as a backup in my honest opinion is a lot different than coming in and being a team's full time starter. Time will only tell...is Kolb Shaun Hill? Rob Johnson? A QB that will have his moments but isn't a long term NFL QB? Or is he a future great who can turn it around and show that he's a winner?? Time will tell but I see the Kolb supporters will be in full force saying they were right all along— Ice500 - I am pleased with Kevin Kolb. He hit the deep ball to Jeremy Maclin also. I think there is a quarterback controversy in Philly!!— Mezike23
- Wait, because the Falcons looked bad this game, they have to be the "worse" 4-1 team every? Maybe the game plan and play calling worked. Maybe the Eagles are better than everyone thought. Not saying that it must be that, but to say the Falcons are bad because of one game is just overly negative.— HandNik
- Lol...Falcons best team in the NFC?? Uhh...their record doesn't reflect how good they are
However, Kolb still came out to play— Ice500 - rich,why was conVick late for the game??..something does not smell right,besides panpizza and the KK haters LOL.....wolf.— wolf 4
- Kolb played great today! wolf4 will sure have his moment to gloat. all of you babyarm commenters can stuff a sock in it though.
- GREAT GAME by Kevin Kolb, Kolb was fanstastic...23 for 29 for 326 yards and 3 long touchdown passes.....Kolb should be the starting QB and the future of the Eagles...Kolb should have never lost his job when he was injured in the first game...This is Kolb's third game where he has passed for over 300 yards...Vick could never do that...period.— Bill20
- Where is baby brain today? Kolb is still the future...trade Vick now before he is exposed for the QB that he really is.— Carlos2
Best all around game by KK to date. Solid game plan by the coaching staff. No big blunders in any area today which was refreshing. Beat a good, not great team but then again who is great now? Talk about parity. And usually it's the press that starts the QB controversy nonsense but in this case it is an honest observation. Kolb played with confidence today so if he is indeed the QB of the future there is no sense retuning to Vick. It'll be an interesting week.— tpizza
