Kolb Leads the Way in Big Victory

In a game played without veteran offensive stalwarts Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, backup quarterback Kevin Kolb led the Eagles past the Chiefs 34-14. Before exiting in the fourth quarter, Kolb had his second consecutive 300-yard passing effort, completing 24 balls for 329 yards and two touchdowns. The defense put consistent pressure on Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel, limiting him to only 90 yards through the air. Unlike last week, the Eagles played a clean game. Just three penalties. Stronger, mistake-free special teams play. Only one turnover on a botched snap from Jamaal Jackson to Jeff Garcia in the fourth quarter.

Just a great bounce back win for the Eagles, who head into their bye week with a 2-1 record. Here is what stood out to me in the Week 3 victory.

Observations

Kevin Kolb- Last week in his first career NFL start, Kolb made some bad decisions that cost his team the chance to stay in the game. This week, we saw a much improved player. He made quick decisions and went through his reads with relative ease. While he throws behind his receivers a little too often, Kolb showed that he could run the offense.

Is it sort of funny thinking that this could be the last time we see Kolb make a start for the Eagles. McNabb should be back in two weeks and is signed through 2010. Michael Vick is in the picture, although I don’t know if he is a huge threat to Kolb. He has a team option for next season, while Kolb’s contract is up after 2010. So this situation will get interesting if all three of these players are still Eagles next season.

DeSean Jackson- Kolb’s favorite receiver on the day was the speedy Jackson, who exploded once again to the tune of 149 yards. One of his six catches went for a 64-yard touchdown in the second quarter to blow the game open. This guy is just an incredible playmaker. Get the ball in his hands and good things will happen.

Brent Celek- I have to admit that I wasn’t completely sold on Celek as the answer at tight end prior to last postseason. He showed big play potential in those all-important January games, and has now carried that success over to 2009. Today, Celek had his second consecutive statline of 8 catches and 104 yards. He also managed to find the end zone off a 35 yard strike from Kolb. The guy is fun to watch too, he makes the defense work to get him to the ground. Celek is cementing his position as the future of the Eagles at tight end.

Michael Vick- Oh yea, this was the first game back for Michael Vick. In his 11 plays, Vick threw two incomplete passes and handed the ball off eight times. He ran once for seven yards. I have to imagine that this will be the extent of Vick’s involvement with the offense. Somewhat of a decoy, but capable of busting a big run or throwing a deep ball. Should be interesting to see his role when McNabb returns.

Defensive Front Seven- Behemoth defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley led the defensive front seven in an assault of Cassel and Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. They limited the Penn State alum to just 38 yards on 19 carries, including a fumble. Bunkley seemed to be playing in the Chiefs backfield all day, opening holes for his teammates. Omar Gaither had nine tackles and one of the Eagles three sacks of Cassel. Defensive end Trent Cole was extremely active, racking up eight tackles with a half sack.

Big game for Sean McDermott and his defense. After being lit up by Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, they came out firing against the overwhelmed Chiefs offense. McDermott called blitz after blitz, giving Cassel little to no time to throw the football. Hopefully the game against the Saints was the exception and this performance the rule.

LeSean McCoy- Starting for the injured (surprise!) Westbrook, “Shady” McCoy ran for 84 yards on 24 carries, including a tough five yard touchdown run on the Eagles second series. The rookie from Pittsburgh showed extreme quickness and cut back ability. He isn’t afraid to dish out and take some big hits, either. McCoy also ran a few plays out of the wildcat, including his touchdown run. Just 21 years old, Shady sure looks like the heir to Westbrook, who is only signed through 2010.

Analysis

The future of the Eagles took center stage today, showing a glimpse of what we could expect to see in the coming years. Kolb, Jackson, McCoy, Celek, and rookie wideout Jeremy Maclin all had big games. These are kids who are showing all the promise and potential in the world. As an Eagles fan, you have to be excited for the future. Say what you want about Andy Reid and the Eagles management, but they have been completely stacking their offense for the present and future.

Tags: Brent Celek, Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, Donovan McNabb, Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs, Kevin Kolb, Larry Johnson, LeSean McCoy, Matt Cassel, Michael Vick, NFL