Eagles Rally, But Fall To The Packers

After Sunday's dissapointing 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers, there are alot of questions surrounding this team. First, let's start with the big question at quarterback, Kolb or Vick? After an awful first half in which Kolb went 5 for 10 passing with just 24 yds and no touchdowns, the Eagles offense only managed 3 points. The offense could not put together a solid drive, there was no rhythm, and it seemed like Kolb was trying to force way too many throws. You can blame the poor play on Kolb, but I fault the coaching staff. Instead of running short routes and letting Kolb throw little screen passes and slant routes, they tried to force the issue and make big plays down the field, not one of Kolb's strengths. The Eagles should have called more short pass plays to get Kolb some confidence, and then try to go for some big throws. Another thing the Eagles failed to do offensively in the first half was establish the run game, something that is going to be so important this year especially with Kolb at quarterback. Aside from a few running plays from Vick, the Eagles did very little to really establish the run. So you had new starter Kevin Kolb trying to force the ball down field with no run game, it was a recipe for disaster. The Eagles went into the half trailing 13-3. Kevin Kolb did not return to the game due to a concussion and Vick was called upon to play quarterback. Vick performed brilliantly with his arm and legs. He kept the defense on their heels and led the Eagles to 2 touchdown drives and a field goal. The Eagles were really pushing the issue late in the 4th trailing 27-20 with just about 2 minutes remaining. It was 4th and 1 and the Eagles called a designed Vick run who fell short of the first down. The Packers then knelt the ball and sealed the victory. Defensively, the Eagles looked solid. Although they gave up 27 points, they got good pressure on Rodgers and you really can't look to the points to tell the whole story. The special teams gave up 3 big kick returns and it gave the Packers great field position on 3 seperate occasions. The big concern coming away from this game is the offense. The offense lost pro-bowler Leonard Weaver to an ACL injury and Jamaal Jackson to a torn bicep, both look to be out for the rest of the season. With a roughed up offense, can the Eagles afford to give Kolb another start? Providing that Kolb is healthy enough to go on Sunday against the Lions, my answer is yes. Although Vick look awesome and Kolb not so great, you can't just give a guy 1 half and then call it quits. If however say after week 3 or 4 Kolb is still not performing, then I think you give the job to Vick. But let's not jump the gun too quick. Right now we have to be patient with Kolb. He is young, and like any young quarterback he needs time. Having Vick as a backup option is definitely a positive for the team right now. The Eagles need to forget about Sunday's loss to the Packers and focus on the Lions. They have to look at the film from the loss and figure out what went wrong, and they need to figure out how to get better for next week.