Eagles Enter Bye Week With Plenty of Injuries, but a Healthy Michael Vick

Filed under: Eagles, NFC East

Kevin Kolb took the first snap of Philadelphia's post-Donovan McNabb era on Sept. 12 at home against Green Bay. His pass to tight end Brent Celek, which lost two yards, was nullified by an illegal formation penalty on left tackle Jason Peters.

Kolb took the last snap of the Eagles' seven pre-bye games this past Sunday at Tennessee. His pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

In between those two plays, it was a wild ride for the Eagles, who lost Pro Bowl fullback Leonard Weaver and solid center Jamaal Jackson for the year in the opener while also losing Kolb and middle linebacker Stewart Bradley, the quarterback of the defense, to concussions that sidelined them the next week. Kolb's absence opened the door for Michael Vick.

The former Atlanta focal point turned convicted felon played the best football of his career, leading the league in passing and in yards per carry before being tearing rib cartilage in the first quarter of his third start. Peters (knee scope), defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley (elbow) and 2009 Pro Bowl receiver/return specialist DeSean Jackson (concussion) all joined Vick on the inactive list for last week's game at Tennessee which Philadelphia led 19-10 in the fourth quarter before being outscored 27-0 the rest of the way to head into its bye at 4-3.

What went right: Vick, who was out of football in 2007-08 and played sparingly in 2009, was not only as dangerous as ever with his feet, he was better than ever with his arm. Jeremy Maclin emerged from Jackson's shadow to catch six touchdowns. Second-year running back LeSean McCoy played like a worthy successor to the departed Brian Westbrook with 770 yards and five touchdowns on 143 touches. Kolb rebounded from a tough start to play well, lighting up Atlanta in a Week 6 showdown of NFC contenders. The offense ranks in the top 10 in points, yards, rushing and passing. Only the Giants can match that.

Rookie free safety Nate Allen has justified being handed the starting job in training camp with three interceptions, tied with Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel for the team lead. Veteran defensive end Juqua Parker responded to being beaten out by top draft pick Brandon Graham by recording four sacks. End Trent Cole remained a beast with a team-high six sacks. The defense ranks 11th against the pass. Rookie Jorrick Calvin, acquired from Arizona in August, ably replaced Jackson on punt returns.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Tiger woods David Beckham LA Lakers Roger Federer New Jersey Devils