Michael Vick Goes Down: Five Questions Facing The Philadelphia Eagles

The quarterback situation in Philadelphia has been a roller coaster ride to say the least. First, the Eagles traded their franchise quarterback in Donovan McNabb to division rival the Washington Redskins, then Kevin Kolb was named the starter and anointed as the next franchise quarterback for Philadelphia.

Then in week one Kolb went down with a concussion, and the Eagles found the savior of Michael Vick, who has done a phenomenal job stepping in as the new starting play caller in Philly.

Vick's second chance and seeming improbable run then came to a screeching halt today, as he left today's matchup with the Redskins early with a rib injury.

Once again, Philadelphia finds itself in the hands of Kevin Kolb.

Here are five questions facing the Eagles following Vick's injury.

Can Kevin Kolb Be a Winning Quarterback?

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Washington Redskins on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Kevin Kolb entered this season highly thought of by most Eagles fans. His expectations were through the roof, and Philadelphia was eager to get the new Kolb era underway.

However, ever since Vick has stepped in, Kolb has almost become an afterthought to many. Vick's standout play has out shined all expectations regarding Kolb and understandably so. The veteran quarterback is making the most of his second chance, performing the best he ever has in his career.

Not only will Kolb have to win the respect and trust of his teammates back, but he will also have to win Philly's tough fans back. He must prove he is the next chosen one in Philadelphia, and prove that he can win and bring the organization to new heights that McNabb was never able to.

Can The Defense Help Out?

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Linebacker Trent Cole #58 and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley #97 of the Philadelphia Eagles bring down running back Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 26, 2010 in Jacksonv

Perhaps the biggest question surrounding the Eagles entering the season was the play of the defensive unit.

Philadelphia's defense is in a rebuilding phase, teeming with young and inexperienced talent. So far, the unit has proved they are capable of making big stops and plays.

However, consistency is the key and that is something the young Eagles' defense has lacked to this point. While they shut out the Redskins in the second half, they still slipped in the first half, allowing 17 points.

Until the defense can consistently hold strong for entire games, there's going to be a lot of pressure on the offense to carry this Eagles team to success.

Will The Wide Receivers Step Up?

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles waits for the kickoff during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Ima

While the receiving corps isn't necessarily a weak point for Philadelphia, they are certainly under more pressure now than ever to perform. Kolb needs to be able to count on them, plain and simple.

DeSean Jackson needs to make big plays, and Jeremy Maclin needs to answer when called upon. Tight end Brent Celek, who had high expectations heading into the season, also needs to make some plays and prove to be a dependable target.

However, the receivers have been doing their jobs and if they continue to do so, Kolb should be fine.

How Long Until The Fans Get Upset?

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Fans yell out to quarterback Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles before taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Eagles' fans are notorious for being impatient and very hard to please. They never hesitate to express their displeasure, even with their own teams.

With that beings said, Andy Reid and the Eagles' organization are under a ton of pressure to right the ship at least to some extent this year. If they don't, the unhappy fans will start growing and growing quickly.

If Kevin Kolb doesn't perform up to par, the fans will let him know. While the fans have every right to express themselves, Kolb needs to gain confidence and if his own supporters are doubting him and booing him on the field, the young quarterback may struggle to develop mentally.

Reid better hope that Kolb is the answer for this Eagles' offense, either that or that Michael Vick returns soon. Because if not, it could turn into a long, ugly season in Philadelphia.

How Long Will Vick Be Out?

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles prepares to come out of the tunnel to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Im

This is without a doubt the biggest question of all, and the question that every Eagles fan wants to know the answer to.

When will Vick return?

Reports have just came in that X-rays of Vick's ribs and chest have come back negative, but that the Eagles quarterback is still in a considerable amount of pain. Vick will undergo an MRI tomorrow in search of an answer.

In the best case scenario, Vick's injury is not serious and he comes back within the next few weeks.

However, when you flip the tables, if Vick's injury is serious and he is forced to miss a considerable amount of time, the Eagle's find themselves heading down the Kevin Kolb route.

A route that consists of uncertainty and question after question. A route that not many Eagles fans want to go down.