PHILADELPHIA — All eyes were on Michael Vick — for all of six plays.

Playing his first NFL game since his release from prison, the Eagles quarterback got a standing ovation in a half-empty stadium, avoided any ugly protests and completed four passes for 19 yards.

"It's been a long journey for me," Vick said. "I just want to do it right this time around."

Though his minutes were limited last night, Vick was ready to take on any assignment. He played quarterback, ran the wildcat formation, even lined up at wide receiver and completed a pass right-handed.

Philadelphia even won the game, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars, 33-32, on David Akers' 34-yard field goal in the final minute. Vick's return overshadowed a somewhat sloppy effort by an Eagles team that has Super Bowl aspirations.

It was Vick and only Vick who captured fans' attention — whether he was on the field, on the sideline or on the bench.

"Everything he was asked to do, he did it well," Donovan McNabb said.

Eagles coach Andy Reid didn't wait long to use Vick. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback jogged onto the field for the second play from scrimmage and got a hearty welcome from the notoriously tough Philly fans.

"It was awesome. When I was running out onto the field I was listening to see what the reaction was going to be," Vick said. "I was very pleased. I really didn't expect that reaction, but I was very thankful."

Vick was on the field for six plays — all in the opening 18 minutes — and completed all four of his passes, ran for 1 yard and lined up in the slot for one play.

"I just want to help this football team win, whatever I have to do," Vick said. "I just want to be able to make plays and say that I contributed. ... I want to sit back and learn as much as I can and polish my skills as a quarterback."

Vick hadn't played in an NFL game since Dec. 31, 2006, with the Atlanta Falcons. He was released from federal custody July 20 after serving 18 months of a 23-month sentence for his role in running a dogfighting ring. He signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract with the Eagles, who hold a $5.2 million option for a second season.

RAMS 24, BENGALS 21

CINCINNATI — Kyle Boller gave the St. Louis Rams one frightening moment along with a little bit of relief.

Boller played better last night in his second game filling in for Marc Bulger, who was 14 of 20 for 96 yards in a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Boller got his helmet knocked off on a hit by linebacker Keith Rivers at the end of an 8-yard scramble, waiting too long to start his slide. Unfazed, Boller completed his next two passes, including a 3-yard shovel pass to running back Samkon Gado for a touchdown.

"I could have slid a little earlier," said Boller. "It is what it is. My chin strap hit just above my eyes. It was a good scramble, but maybe if I can get down a little sooner, the coaches would like that."

DOLPHINS 10, BUCS 6

TAMPA, Fla. — The race for Tampa Bay's starting quarterback job may finally have a clear-cut winner.

Given roughly the same amount of playing time to make their final cases during a loss to the Miami Dolphins, Byron Leftwich outperformed Luke McCown to likely create the separation Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris sought to make a decision.

Leftwich completed 9 of 17 passes for 100 yards in just over a quarter, working four possessions.

McCown also played a little more than a quarter. He misfired on his first four passing attempts, finishing 5 of 11 for 38 yards. He also was sacked twice.

NOTES

Cowboys: Dallas receiver Roy Williams injured his left shoulder on a goal-line collision with cornerback Orlando Scandrick yesterday. Williams was down for longer than normal, then was examined by athletic trainers and shouted in anger as he headed into the locker room before the workout ended.

49ers: San Francisco quarterback Shaun Hill returned to practice yesterday and deemed himself healthy to play tomorrow night at Dallas. Hill left Wednesday's workout after throwing one pass because of a strained lower back and coach Mike Singletary said he was unsure of Hill's status.