National Football League

Kolb takes charge in Eagles’ 27-24 win over 49ers

Published Oct. 11, 2010 10:08 a.m. ET

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SAN FRANCISCO - Kevin Kolb made his case.

Back as the Eagles starter for the first time since week one, Kolb was sharp and aggressive early, turning in a performance against San Francisco Sunday that countered many of the criticisms he faced last week. Kolb was in command of the offense and moved the team, showing the abilities the Eagles had touted before the quarterback was sent to the bench by a concussion and Michael Vick's stellar play.

With the defense producing seven points of its own, the Eagles worked to a 27-24 win over the now 0-5 49ers.

As Kolb bounced back, the Eagles defense improved against the run, but was torched through the air. They stifled running back Frank Gore and came up with five turnovers, but gave up 290 yards passing and three touchdowns to Alex Smith, who at one point was playing so badly 49ers fans were chanting for back up David Carr.

Kolb looked different from the opening drive. On his second pass, he rolled out and fired deep for a wide open Brent Celek, hitting him deep and across the field. Kolb came under fire last week for being too passive, but that wasn't an issue early. He hit Jason Avant in a tight window and bought time before throwing to Celek for a touchdown on the Eagles opening drive. It was his first chance to make a positive impression after the door was cracked open by an injury to Vick, and Kolb took advantage.

He finished the game 21 for 31 passing with one touchdown and no interceptions for a 103.3 passer rating. He lost a fumble, but the Eagles escaped without giving up any points. Kolb went most often to Jeremy Maclin, completing six passes for 95 yards to the receiver, and LeSean McCoy added 92 yards rushing.

With Vick in the last year of his contract and the Eagles facing a looming quarterback decision, Kolb's performance in his first full game of the saeason could prove critical to his future in Philadelphia.

His confidence was evident, especially after the opening drive. Kolb even added a 19-yard scramble on third-and-18 - not quite Vick, but enough to bring much of the defense onto the field in enthusiastic appreciation.

The defense also showed playmaking ability, creating turnovers and its first points of the season. If not for the take-aways, though, the performance may have looked far worse. The 49ers outgained the Eagles, compiling 364 yards of offense, but frequently gave the ball away, including on a game-sealing interception by Trevard Lindley.

Entering the game, the Eagles defense had not recovered a single fumble. They had three Sunday, including one early in the fourth quarter that Quintin Mikell turned into a 52-yard touchdown return, giving the Eagles a firm 24-10 lead. Brandon Graham pressured Smith on the play, notching the second sack of his career, and the points proved crucial to the game's outcome.

While the Eagles snapped some problematic trends, others continued. Tight end Vernon Davis and wide receiver Michael Crabtree ran wild through the secondary - which was missing cover man Asante Sameul - and helped the 49ers get back into the game.

Also, injuries kept piling up. Brodrick Bunkley and Jason Peters left the game, joining Vick and Samuel as sidelined starters. Trent Cole and DeSean Jackson also went out briefly, but both returned.

The kick coverage unit also continued showing big holes. San Francisco's Ted Ginn raced for 61 yards on a kickoff in the fourth quarter, to set up a touchdown. He also took the opening kickoff of the game 44 yards, giving the defense a short field to defend, again. And for the second straight game, the Eagles gave up a first-drive score and fell behind, 7-0.

But Kolb and the Eagles quickly answered. And their 2010 quarterback saga took another turn.

Contact staff writer Jonathan Tamari at 215-854-5214 or jtamari@phillynews.com.