Observations From Lincoln Financial Field
Let the record show that the first offensive play of the Kevin Kolb era was an illegal formation, with Michael Vick spread out wide. Kolb’s first pass was a completion to Jeremy Maclin for 5 yards.
The Leonard Weaver injury looked bad, his left leg snapping back in a very unnatural way. The Eagles called it just a knee sprain (postgame update – Andy Reid said it appeared Weaver has a torn ACL and that he’ll have an MRI Monday).
The injury bug was out in the first half. Jamaal Jackson headed into the locker room midway through the second quarter with an injured right elbow and will not return. Mike McGlynn replaced him at center.
Kolb (concussion) was slow to get to his feet after being hit from behind by Clay Matthews in the second quarter. After meeting with trainers on the sideline, he was cleared to return. He played the Eagles’ final drive of the first half but was ruled out after halftime.
Stewart Bradley left momentarily after having his bell rung, missing a couple of plays before returning. He wasn’t in the game for the Eagles’ final defensive series of the half and was replaced by Omar Gaither. He too was ruled out with a concussion.
Juqua Parker handled right tackle Mark Tauscher with ease, racking up two sacks in the first quarter alone. Rookie Brandon Graham, who supplanted Parker at left end, did not have similar success. He did break through the middle to hurry Aaron Rodgers midway through the second quarter, though. Graham was lined up as a tackle in most nickel situations.
Kolb had real difficulty reading and reacting in the first half. Many of his throws were forced, and a couple could have been intercepted. He had just five passing yards after one quarter. He was 5-for-10 for 24 yards and a 56.3 QB rating at the half.
The defensive line as a whole did very well against the Packers’ front. It was able to generate pressure on its own. Antwan Barnes got a lot of chances at defensive end in the nickel package and looked good.
Both Eagles and Packers players put finger up in air prior to game, signifying unity as a union heading into a potential lockout.
Vick got several snaps in the first half, including in short yardage situations, as expected. He kept it on the ground when the ball was in his hands, rushing for 20 yards on four catches.
Follow Tim McManus on Twitter (@Tim_McManus) and contact him at tmcmanus@phillysportsdaily.com.
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