Wrap-up: Packers 27, Eagles 20 
September, 12, 2010

By Matt Mosley

What it means: The Kevin Kolb era is off to a rough start -- especially when he gets knocked out of the game with a concussion. There's no shame in losing to the Green Bay Packers, but the Eagles did it in awful fashion. Don't let that fourth-quarter comeback fool you. That was a miserable showing for the Eagles, and they came away with what appears to be a devastating injury. They lose a valuable player if Leonard Weaver is out for the season with a knee injury.

Tomorrow's talker: You know everyone will be talking about quarterback Michael Vick's performance Monday. He passed for 175 yards and ran for 103. He made one really poor decision not to run the ball into the end zone, but he certainly gave the offense some much-needed punch. Kolb had a rough first half with only 24 passing yards, but I thought he was handcuffed by his head coach. It almost felt like Andy Reid was being too tentative with his young quarterback. If you're going to trade your franchise quarterback to a division rival, you better be ready to trust his replacement.

What I liked: Nate Allen had some rough moments but he had his first interception in the second half, which gave the Eagles some hope. Trent Cole and Juqua Parker combined for three sacks on Aaron Rodgers. But the downside to that is that Brandon Graham was really quite in his debt.

Big revelation: The Eagles are about to find out how much depth they have. With Jamaal Jackson leaving the game with an elbow injury, reserve center Mike McGlynn may get a chance to start next week against the Lions. And it's unlikely we'll see middle linebacker Stewart Bradley (concussion).

What's next: Philly has some soul searching to do. They may catch a break if Matthew Stafford (shoulder) can't play, but the Lions won't be a gimme. Again, this couldn't have gone much worse.

Wrap-up: Packers 27, Eagles 20
 September, 12, 2010

By Kevin Seifert

Let's hit some quick thoughts on the Green Bay Packers' Week 1 victory.

What it means: The Packers are tied with the Chicago Bears atop the NFC North. Just as important, they collected a key conference win. Those always come in handy when it comes time for tiebreakers and playoff seeding. Seriously, it's never too early to consider that.

Hero: Who said linebacker Clay Matthews needed training camp? After a hamstring injury cost him a month of practice, Matthews rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter Sunday. Appearing gassed as Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick ran all over the field, Matthews nevertheless made two huge plays on the Eagles' final drive. His sack on second down put the Eagles in a third-and-13 situation, and his plunge through the Eagles' offensive line stopped Vick on a quarterback draw on fourth down with 1:54 remaining. Inside linebacker Nick Barnett also got nice push on the play. Overall, Matthews was credited with seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Nice return.

Unsung hero: After much discussion last week, Jordy Nelson averaged 31 yards on five kickoff returns. His 51-yarder set up the Packers' final touchdown, a 32-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings.

Tomorrow's talker: Many of you will rightly be celebrating Matthews' return. But I think it's at least worth wondering if Vick's 103-yard rushing performance was a fluke based on a unique set of individual skills or if the Packers are going to be vulnerable to open-field running this season. I tend to side with the former, even though I'm sure the Packers prepared for how the Eagles' offense might change if Vick replaced starter Kevin Kolb. It was pretty clear the Packers' defense was tired at the end of the game, but ultimately they had enough energy to stop the Eagles' comeback. Just something to keep in your back pocket.

What's next: The Packers will host the Buffalo Bills in their home opener at Lambeau Field next Sunday.

Yes, the Packers picked up a conference win, but the Bears picked up a divisional win, which is even more important.

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:

That's a bad rule. Two feet down with possession should be all you need. If you can reach the ball over the goaline without having any of your body in and it is a touchdown, this rule that Calvin got screwed with today, needs to go.

"DakotaT" wrote:

Yes, the Packers picked up a conference win, but the Bears picked up a divisional win, which is even more important.

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote: