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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, September 28, 2009

Eagles pound Chiefs


By Rob Maaddi
Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Philadelphia's Michael Vick, center, ran once for 7 yards and threw two incomplete passes in his first regular-season game since his release from prison.

MEL EVANS | Associated Press

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PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick was a super decoy.

Getting significant contributions from their youngsters and backups, the Philadelphia Eagles routed the Kansas City Chiefs, 34-14, in Vick's return to the NFL yesterday.

The Eagles didn't need much from Vick and they got nothing from Donovan McNabb or Brian Westbrook, who both sat out with injuries.

Kevin Kolb threw for 327 yards and two touchdowns, LeSean McCoy had 84 yards rushing and one TD, and DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek each had 100-plus yards receiving and one score for Philadelphia (2-1).

Kolb became the first quarterback to throw for 300 yards in his first two career starts. While he did most of the work, Vick got all the attention.

Playing his first regular-season game since Dec. 31, 2006 — 1,001 days ago — Vick ran once for 7 yards and threw two incomplete passes.

"It's a different role, but it is what it is," Vick said.

Vick will have more chances to display the skills that earned him the Superman nickname back when he was a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons. For now, he's content doing whatever it takes to help the Eagles win.

"It's a different scenario," he said. "I tell myself to stay loose and be ready for whenever they call my number and play within the framework of the offense."

McNabb missed his second straight game with a broken rib. Westbrook sat out with a sore ankle. It was no problem against the Chiefs (0-3). Kolb, a third-year pro, and McCoy, a rookie second-round pick, filled in nicely.

"We recognized that Donovan and Westbrook were out," Kolb said. "It was an opportunity for us to prove why they drafted us. We focused on dominating them."

Vick, who served 18 months in prison on a federal dogfighting charge, didn't have to wait long to get on the field. He entered to a semi-standing ovation for the second play from scrimmage, was split wide as receiver and came around for a fake reverse.

Overall, Vick got in for 11 plays. He lined up at receiver once, took the snap in shotgun formation nine times and was directly under center once. Kolb was on the sideline for the 10 plays Vick was in at QB.

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