Philadelphia Eagles soar over Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Kolb and the Philadelphia Eagles rolled over the red hot Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field with a 31-17 victory, ending the Falcons' four-game winning streak.
Eagle’s coach Andy Reid announced that Kolb would be his starting quarterback for the second straight week, while Michael Vick remains sidelined with damaged rib cartilage sustained two weeks ago against
the Washington Redskins. Turns out starting Kolb was the right decision as he turned in a three-touchdown performance for over 300 yards to improve the Eagles to a 4-2 record on the season.
DeSean Jackson put the Eagles on the board first with an end-around run for a 31-yard touchdown in the first quarter and hauled in a 34-yard TD strike to make it 14-0. The Eagles continued their aerial
assault after Jeremy Maclin hauled in an 8-yard touchdown pass to put the Eagles comfortably in the lead with a 21 point advantage.
"We needed to start strong and we did," said Stewart Bradley, who had one of his team's three sacks on Sunday. "They have a very balanced offence, so we have to be disciplined and read our keys and then
just go out and ball. We did that today."
Despite posting a 4-2 record, many pundits felt that the Falcons were not as good as their record indicated having won most of their games by slim margins or in overtime. Perhaps they were right, as the
Falcons got exposed on Sunday.
Their most dangerous player, running-back Michael Turner was virtually ineffective, rushing for 45 yards on 15 carries. With their running game at a halt, Atlanta was forced to air the ball out. Matt Ryan
attempted 42 passes and completed just 23 for a total of 250 yards.
Philadelphia's offence had their best outing this season and compiled a remarkable 474 yards. "I think we have a lot of confidence in each other and that is so important," said Kolb. "Everybody is stepping
up. We see that. It makes a difference for the entire roster."
Kolb is right in saying that players will need to step up and come up big when their number is called. Philadelphia lost another key player due to injury as Jackson was forced to leave the game and did
not return after a violent collision with cornerback Dunta Robinson. Jackson did not see Robinson , who led head first with his helmet and hit the Pro Bowl receiver under his chin.
Jackson was diagnosed with a concussion while the Falcons only commented that Robinson had sustained a head injury. This is unfortunate but as Eagles cornerback Ellis Hobbs said, "It's just part of the
game.” No timetable has been set for Jackson’s return.
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