Michael Vick marks his return with big win
Michael Vick was back at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 7 November, and helped his team come up with a big 26-24 win over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.
How it happened
It was a meeting of two distinct quarterbacking styles, and in this particular contest it was Vick's electrifying scrambling style which proved the more effective.
Vick, who returned for the first time after missing three games with a rib injury, ran 10 times for 74 yards on the day, including a one-yard dive through the pile for the game's winning touchdown.
Vick was just as effective throwing the ball, completing 17 of 29 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown. Vick also didn't throw a single interception, and has yet to throw one this season, which was a
major difference compared to Manning who was picked off twice on the day.
Eagles kicker David Akers also went 4-for-4 on the day hitting from 22, 21, 31, and 44 yards.
Colts rookie running back Javarris James scored the first two touchdowns of his career helping Indianapolis stay in the game, but it wasn't enough to help the Colts get a win.
What they're saying
The Eagles looked well prepared and came off their bye week with a solid performance and not looking at all as if they'd gotten soft with an extra week of rest.
"This game was more emotional because we knew how tough it was going to be to win this game," Vick said of the way his team prepared. "It took two weeks of hard work, guys working extra hard, watching
film and doing whatever it takes. To win this game was very gratifying."
Manning, who threw for 294 yards, and completed 31 of 52 passes, credited the Eagles' defence with disrupting the Colts offence.
"They have good players, good cover guys. Everything was contested. We had a tough time finding a rhythm in the second half."
What it all means
The win was crucial for the Eagles who continue to keep pace with the New York Giants in the NFC East Division. They play in a huge divisional game against the Washington Redskins on Monday, 15 November,
where a win could help them distance themselves from several other teams in the conference.
The Indianapolis Colts lost one of their most effective wide receivers, Austin Collie, in the second quarter after a huge hit by Eagles defensive back Kurt Coleman. Collie suffered a concussion on the
play. The Colts had had a chance to take sole possession of first place in the AFC South with the Titans on their bye week. They drop to 5-3 on the season and are now tied with the Titans for first place. They get set to host the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday.
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