Indianapolis Colts: Vick-timized in Philadelphia

Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles Game Recap

We all knew that when the Indianapolis Colts traveled to Philadelphia it was going to be a knock-down, drag-out battle and it lived up to the billing. The Colts came into the game at 5-2 coming off big wins and looking to continue the streak they had going into the month of November, which was a winning streak dating back to November of 2007. The Eagles came into the game at 4-3 coming fresh off a bye week; Andy Reid is undefeated coming off bye weeks in his career so one of these streaks was going to fall. The Eagles were expected to have two of there premier playmakers back in Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson. Vick coming off a rib injury sustained against the Washington Redskins and Jackson coming off a vicious hit against the Falcons in which he received a concussion, needless to say the team was excited to have both back. For the Colts it seemed as though the players were dropping like flies with Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez, and Joseph Addai out of action, Indy would have to rely on many unknowns to step up and play big. This was going to be a great game, let’s get to the action:

In the first quarter the Eagles started off quickly as LeSean McCoy broke off a big 62-yard run and the Eagles finished it off with a Vick 9-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson. David Akers for the Eagles tacked on a couple of field goals 22-yards and 21-yards (both were big defensive stops by the Colts deep in their own territory) and the score at the end of the first Indianapolis 0, Philadelphia 13.

The second quarter saw the Colts finally get on the board with a 3-yard connection from Manning to Tamme, the Eagles struck back with a David Akers 31-yard field goal, but the final two scores of the quarter belonged to the Colts. Javarris James had a 6-yard touchdown rush and Vinatieri added a 37-yard field goal making the score at halftime Indianapolis 17, Philadelphia 16.

> Find Indianapolis Colts hats & Merchandise online through Pro Football Fans for all your team gear!

The third quarter was uneventful as far as scoring the only points was a David Akers 44-yard field goal and that made the score 19-17 Eagles.

In the fourth and final quarter both teams were very active the Eagles got on the board first with a Michael Vick 1-yard touchdown run and the Colts add a Javarris James 1-yard touchdown rush but that just wasn’t enough for the Colts as they go down to the Eagles by the score of 26-24.

Key Statistics:

Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning 31 for 52 294 yards 1 touchdown 2 interceptions

Donald Brown 15 rushes 50 yards 0 touchdown

Javarris James 4 rushes 12 yards 2 touchdowns

Jacob Tamme 11 receptions 108 yards 1 touchdown

Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick 17 for 29 218 yards 1 touchdown 0 interceptions

10 rushes 74 yards 1 touchdown

LeSean McCoy 16 rushes 95 yards 0 touchdown

DeSean Jackson 7 receptions 109 yards 1 touchdown

Let’s be honest Vick was the reason the Eagles were able to pull out this victory he not only made plays with his arm but also with his feet. He is a difficult weapon to cover, if you are able to keep him in the pocket he will make you pay with his arm, if you force him out he will make you pay with his feet. He truly is a talented quarterback and is growing game by game which is great for the Eagles not so much for the other teams in the league. For the Colts they will next face Cincinnati and look to right the ship, for them to make the playoff run of old they must get players healthy, Austin Collie suffered a concussion in this game on a nasty hit and is questionable for the game against the Bengals. Peyton will have to get the troops ready and the defense will have to step up and play big against Batman and Robin (Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco).

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer