Jets' Backups Top Eagles In Final Preseason Game
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Michael Vick has reached the point in his comeback where he doesn't have to prove himself anymore.
The New York Jets beat Philadelphia 21-17 in their preseason finale Thursday night, while Vick led the Eagles to a field goal in two series and Kurt Coleman scored on two fumble returns.
Making his first start in four years, Vick played just one quarter before heading to the bench. He didn't lobby coach Andy Reid to stay in.
"Who wants to be out there in preseason?" Vick said. "I was going to play as long as Andy wanted me out there, but when he pulled me, I was like, 'Yes!'"
Mark Brunell's 51-yard touchdown pass to former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes in the fourth quarter put the Jets (2-2) ahead to stay against the Eagles (2-2).
Neither team used its starters. Kevin Kolb and New York's Mark Sanchez watched from the sideline while backups saw plenty of action and no-name rookies fought for roster spots.
"The offense lit up the scoreboard, both scoreboards," Jets coach Rex Ryan joked, referring to his team's turnovers.
A three-time Pro Bowl quarterback during six seasons with Atlanta, Vick last started on Dec. 31, 2006, against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. He left that game after injuring his ankle on the first play in the third quarter.
Vick missed the next two seasons while serving an 18-month prison sentence for his role in a dogfighting ring. He signed with the Eagles as a backup last summer, and was used sparingly in Philadelphia's version of the wildcat formation.
With Donovan McNabb gone, Vick enters this season as Kolb's backup. He finished 3 of 5 for 56 yards and ran twice for 11 yards against the Jets. Overall, Vick had a so-so exhibition season, throwing for 189 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.
"I think he's had enough work," Reid said when asked why he didn't keep Vick in for the whole half as originally planned. "He's 30 years old, he's been in the league a long time. He's ready to go."
Brunell hardly needed the tuneup. He's entering his 16th year in the NFL. The lefty was 11 of 17 for 118 yards and two TDs.
Sanchez didn't just watch, he had a chance to call some plays. Both of New York's touchdowns were his calls.
"I thought Mark did really well," Brunell said. "Certainly he has a good feel for the game and made some very smart calls in there, so it was pretty impressive for a young guy."
Coleman, a seventh-round pick, may have solidified his roster spot by being in the right spot twice. He picked up John Conner's fumble and ran 8 yards for a touchdown, giving the Eagles a 17-7 lead in the final minute of the first half.
Conner tripped and lost the ball after hitting the ground, but he was not ruled down by contact so the play stood after review.
On the final play of the first quarter, Coleman picked up Joe McKnight's fumble and ran 64 yards untouched to the end zone. McKnight appeared to lose the ball after running into his own lineman.
"He's always around the ball," Reid said of Coleman. "And when he has an opportunity to hit you, he usually makes good contact."
The Jets took a 21-17 lead when Brunell returned for a series and hit Holmes in stride in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.
Holmes, the 2009 Super Bowl MVP with Pittsburgh, played because he has to sit out the first four games after being suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Kellen Clemens started the second half for the Jets and drove them into the end zone on his first series. Danny Woodhead's 14-yard TD run got the Jets within 17-14. Clemens came out for a series after it appeared he injured his arm.
Rookie Mike Kafka replaced Vick in the second quarter, and was intercepted by Emanuel Cook on his second attempt. Cook returned it to the Eagles 15, and Brunell tossed a 2-yard TD pass to Jeff Cumberland to cut it to 10-7.
J.J. Arrington returned the opening kickoff 40 yards. Vick then connected with Riley Cooper for 27 yards on the first play, and ran for 11 more on the next two. But the drive stalled at the Jets 11 and David Akers kicked a 29-yard field goal.
Vick's final pass was dropped by Cooper at the Jets 29, forcing the Eagles to punt.
Neither Vick nor Reid wanted to discuss what his role will be during the season. It's likely Vick will see action similar to last year.
"You just have to wait and see," he said with a smile.
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