Packers knock out Kevin Kolb and the Eagles in season opener
Playing in the NFL and occupying a starting role is a privilege that few get to experience. So when you finally get a chance to play and lead your team in the regular season, every moment must be cherished. Just ask Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Kevin Kolb, who was finally named the starter after being a backup to Donovan McNabb. But in his 2010 debut, Kolb suffered a concussion in the Eagles 27-20 loss against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Kolb, who has been waiting an eternity to be named the starter at the beginning of the season, got his wish, but only played a handful of snaps and left the game after Packers’ linebacker Clay Matthews delivered a vicious tackle from behind in the second quarter, and then the Michael Vick project began.
In one instant, Kolb’s night was over and following Vick’s strong performance, we might have our first quarterback controversy of the regular season. Vick, a three-time Pro Bowler, injected new life in the Eagles’ offence that had been awful in the first half. He scrambled out of the pocket, made plays on the run and finished with 175 passing yards and rushed for 103, reminiscent of his days with the Atlanta Falcons. "I thought Michael was phenomenal," coach Andy Reid said. "He brought the team back, he kept his poise."
Reid said after the game that if Kolb is healthy and ready to go, he will be the starter again next week. While that may be true, Kolb will have to show a better command of the offence and deal with the pressure of having Vick breathing down his neck.
"I feel like if I had been out there for four quarters, maybe we would've had a chance to win the game," Vick said.
Unlike the Eagles, Green Bay didn’t need a switch at the quarterback position to lift their spirits and get things going offensively. The Packers started putting nice drives together and moved the chains, scoring on three straight possessions in the second quarter.
Aaron Rodgers connected with Greg Jennings on a 32-yard TD pass to in the third quarter for the game-winning score. Rodgers completed 19 of 31 passes for 188 passing yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. "It was a gutty performance by our team," coach Mike McCarthy said. "We are fortunate and pleased to win."
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