Eagles-Lions: Michael Vick Shines as Philadelphia Holds Off Detroit 35-32

The last time Michael Vick won an NFL game as a starter, Brett Favre was still a Packer, and Jeff Garcia was leading the Eagles on an improbable run at the NFC East title.

Sunday, Vick led the Eagles to a 35-32 victory over the Detroit Lions to even his team's record at 1-1.

Vick was his dynamic self against Detroit, throwing for 284 yards and completing two touchdowns to Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson. He added 37 more on the ground.

However, Vick was not the only hero on offense, as second-year tailback LeSean McCoy ran for 120 yards on 16 carries, three of which went for touchdowns. On offense it seemed as if the Eagles hadn't lost a beat, especially after their second half rally in Week 1.

Vick was under what seemed to be constant pressure from a very solid Lions front four and was sacked six times. But aside from Vick, the bigger stories for the Eagles were the struggles of the offensive line and the defense lacking the killer instinct to put the Lions away.

Jahvid Best was the jack of all trades for Detroit in Week 2, racking up 230 total yards and scoring three touchdowns. Best gave the Lions a 10-point lead late in the second quarter on a 75-yard screen pass that followed his 14-yard gallop for a score in the first quarter.

With Matt Stafford sidelined for the time being with a shoulder injury, Shaun Hill filled in and did so admirably today, throwing for 335 yards and three touchdowns. Hill led the Lions on a furious rally in the fourth quarter, cutting the Eagles' lead to three points with under two minutes left.

Detroit's offense for most of the game came via the big play. Best was making defenders look silly all day, while the Eagles' issues covering tight ends resurfaced with Omar Gaither in the game. Calvin Johnson was a non-factor until the Lions rallied late in the fourth.

On defense, the Lions did a good job of getting to Vick, taking advantage of the Eagles' dreadful offensive line. The secondary failed to take advantage of potentially game-changing opportunities against Vick. C.C. Brown and Jonathan Wade both dropped easy interceptions; imagine what could have happened had the Lions not fallen victim to stone hands disease.

It's not Eagles football if there's not a player or two being helped off the field. Brandon Graham suffered a shoulder injury shortly after registering his first career sack. X-rays came back negative—one of the only good things coming out of the defense on Sunday.

Jason Peters needed to be helped off the field twice on Sunday. This seems to be a recurring theme with Peters; somebody rolls into the back of his leg, and he writhes on the ground as if his season is over, only to return two plays later. I'm not calling him a wimp or anything, but I believe he does tend to milk his per-game injuries.

Rookie safety Nate Allen had another solid game in Week 2. His interception in the end zone on the game's first possession stopped what seemed to be sure points for the Lions. If Allen keeps performing at this high level, it will sure ease some tension in the City of Brotherly Love.

Back to Vick: He certainly made it clear on Sunday that he is back. He was poised in the pocket, did a good job of feeling the rush from the back side, and made a lot of good decisions throwing the ball. While Andy Reid is going back to his anointed savior Kevin Kolb next week in Jacksonville, it remains to be seen if Big Red will keep his young starter on a leash.

The Eagles will travel to Jacksonville next Sunday to face a Jaguars team they have never beaten when it counts. Whether Kevin Kolb will show the fans that he can be a star quarterback in this league remains to be seen. But what we do know is this: Vick just made Kolb's already scorching hot seat a heckuva lot hotter.