Donovan McNabb was victorious in his return to Philadelphia, leading the Redskins to a 17-12 win while his heir apparent Kevin Kolb struggled after Michael Vick got hurt.
After the game, McNabb and Eagles coach Andy Reid hugged it out at midfield.
And as Reid watched McNabb walk off the field a winner, he had to be wondering what he’s gotten himself into with his quarterback situation.
This offseason, Reid chose to anoint Kolb as his starter, make Vick the backup and trade McNabb to Washington. Nothing we’ve seen so far this season suggests that Kolb is better than either McNabb or Vick, let alone both of them.
After Vick suffered an apparent rib and chest injury in the first quarter today, Kolb took the helm and struggled. His numbers -- 22-of-35 for 201 yards, with a touchdown and an interception -- weren’t terrible, but it was maddening to watch him constantly check down and fail to connect with his receivers downfield.
Kolb’s game consists almost entirely of short passes to his running backs and tight ends: In the three quarters that Kolb played, wide receiver DeSean Jackson caught just two passes for 13 yards, and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin caught just one pass for 15 yards.
McNabb didn’t play particularly well, either, going 8-of-19 for 125 yards with a touchdown and an interception. But McNabb had a big first quarter to lead the Redskins to a 14-0 lead, and he could get away with coasting the rest of the day.
The result of the game means the Eagles and Redskins are both 2-2 and tied atop the NFC East. But the Redskins have to feel a lot better about themselves right now than the Eagles do. Especially at quarterback, where the folks in Philadelphia will be talking on Monday about the one who got away.