PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick is all the way back — daring runs, dynamic throws and a bittersweet defeat to show for it.
Aaron Rodgers threw a pair of touchdown passes, Mason Crosby kicked a team-record 56-yard field goal and the Green Bay Packers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-20 on Sunday.
Not even a vintage performance from Vick could stop the Packers. In their first game since trading Donovan McNabb to Washington, the Eagles (0-1) started with Kevin Kolb and finished with Vick.
Kolb left with a concussion at halftime, so Vick played meaningful snaps for an extended period for the first time in nearly four years.
“I feel like if I had been out there for four quarters, maybe we would’ve had a chance to win the game,” Vick said.
Vick, a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback during six seasons in Atlanta, invigorated an offense that was awful in the first half. He finished with 175 yards passing and ran for 103, reminiscent of his “Superman” days with the Falcons.
“I thought Michael was phenomenal,” coach Andy Reid said. “He brought the team back, he kept his poise.”
But there is no quarterback controversy in Philadelphia. Reid said Kolb will be the starter when he’s healthy to play.
Vick’s last NFL start came on Dec. 31, 2006, in Philadelphia. He missed the next two seasons while serving an 18-month sentence in federal prison for his role in a dogfighting operation. Vick signed a two-year contract with the Eagles last summer, and saw limited action mostly in a variation of the wildcat formation. He finally got his chance, and made the most of it. Still, it wasn’t enough against Green Bay.
“I felt like I battled, I fought, I had that instinct and desire to win,” Vick said.
The Packers were a popular preseason pick to reach the Super Bowl, and they began their quest for a 13th NFL title with a tough win.
“It was a gutty performance by our team,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We are fortunate and pleased to win.”
After a slow start, the Packers got going late in the second quarter and scored on three straight possessions.
Philadelphia lost Pro Bowl fullback Leonard Weaver to a torn knee ligament. Center Jamaal Jackson left with a torn biceps.
