National Football League

Wild ride out West ends with Eagles win

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

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SAN FRANCISCO - Kevin Kolb made a statement.

Back as the Eagles' starter for the first time since Week 1, Kolb was sharp and aggressive early, turning in a performance against San Francisco on Sunday night that countered many of the criticisms he faced last week. He was in command of the offense and showed some of the promise the Eagles touted before he was sent to the bench by Michael Vick's stellar play.

With the defense producing seven points of its own, the Eagles held on for a 27-24 win over the 0-5 49ers.

As Kolb bounced back from earlier struggles, the Eagles' defense improved against the run, but was torched through the air. The defense created five turnovers but gave up 309 yards passing and three touchdowns to Alex Smith, who at one point was playing so badly 49ers fans were chanting for backup David Carr.

Kolb looked more assured from the opening drive. On his second pass, he threw long to 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 wrapped up the drive by escaping from a pass rush, buying time, and hitting Celek for a touchdown.

"He did it with conviction," said head coach Andy Reid.

It was Kolb's first chance to play a full game and make a positive impression after the door was cracked open by an injury to Vick, and he took advantage in front of a national TV audience.

Facing a porous defense, Kolb was 21 for 31 passing with one touchdown and no interceptions and a 103.3 passer rating. He lost a fumble on a sack. Jeremy Maclin had six catches for 95 yards, and LeSean McCoy contributed 92 yards rushing.

"We were so focused on winning this football game," Kolb said. "It didn't matter about my play, it didn't matter about LeSean being banged up, the defense, whatever it was. We were going to come in here and try to win and that's what you're most proud of whenever that happens."

Reid said Kolb spent extra time studying this week. With Vick's status uncertain, Kolb may get another chance to start this Sunday at home. But Reid said Kolb will be the backup once Vick is healthy.

"Michael is still the starting quarterback, so we won't get the controversy going there," Reid said.

Still, Kolb helped himself by showing improvement over previous weeks.

"With a young quarterback, that's what you're going to see," Reid said. "There's going to be maturation that takes place when he plays."

Kolb even added a 19-yard scramble on a third-quarter, third-and-18 play - not quite Vick, but enough to bring much of the defense onto the field in enthusiastic appreciation.

"That's the kind of stuff you want to see out of your quarterback," Maclin said.

The defense showed playmaking ability, but if not for its takeaways - including a game-sealing interception by rookie Trevard Lindley - the performance may have looked far worse. The 49ers compiled 364 yards of offense.

The Eagles' defense, though, produced its first three fumble recoveries of the year, including one early in the fourth quarter that Quintin Mikell turned into a 52-yard touchdown return, giving the Eagles a 24-10 lead.

"I'm thinking touchdown all the way," Mikell said. He said he didn't think of just falling on the ball. The points proved crucial to the game's outcome.

Several problematic trends continued. Tight end Vernon Davis and wide receiver Michael Crabtree ran wild through the secondary, which was missing cover man Asante Samuel.

The Eagles also continued showing big holes in kick coverage. Ted Ginn had two big kickoff returns - 61 and 44 yards - to set up touchdowns. One came on the opening kickoff, helping the 49ers take a quick 7-0 lead.

But the Eagles quickly answered. Kolb led a touchdown drive to begin a day he can build on.

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

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