Vick Debuts In Eagles Win Over Jaguars

PHILADELPHIA - Michael Vick got some cheers, created excitement and drew support from the crowd.

All that for just six plays that didn't produce much offense.

Slideshow: Vick Debuts In Philly

Playing his first NFL game since his release from prison, Vick showcased his impressive skills. He played quarterback, ran the wildcat formation, even lined up at wide receiver and completed a pass right-handed.

Oh, by the way, the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 33-32 on David Akers' 34-yard field goal in the final minute of Thursday night's preseason game.

Vick's return overshadowed a somewhat sloppy effort by an Eagles team that has Super Bowl aspirations. Hardly anyone but the coaches and players cared about much except Vick's performance, however.

All eyes were on No. 7 whether he was on the field, on the sideline or sitting on the bench. Vick showed little emotion at first, but loosened up as the game wore on and even flashed an occasional smile.

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.

So much for all those protesters and anti-Vick factions. There were more people pulling for Vick gathered outside than against him.

Vick entered to a standing ovation from the crowd in a half-empty stadium. Later, some chanted "We want Vick!" after he left the game.

Donovan McNabb got a close-up view on Vick's first play, lining up as a wide receiver.

Vick was on the field for six plays -- all in the opening 18 minutes. The results were so-so. He completed all four of his passes for 19 yards, ran for 1 yard and lined up in the slot for one play.

With Vick, the Eagles scored 3 points. Without him, they moved the ball far more efficiently.

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.

McNabb completed 21 of 36 passes for 244 yards and one touchdown. He also threw one interception and his fumble on a backward pass was returned 92 yards for a score by Brian Iwuh.

Jaguars QB David Garrard was 8 for 14 for 93 yards and one interception while leading Jacksonville on one touchdown drive. Backup Todd Bouman also was 8 for 14 for 59 yards and one TD.

After missing a few plays, Garrard returned and tossed a 3-yard pass to Nate Hughes, who fumbled at the 1 after a hard hit by Asante Samuel. Torry Holt picked up the ball and stepped into the end zone for a touchdown, giving Jacksonville a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter. Hughes sustained a concussion on the play and didn't return.

The Eagles finally got going once they went to a traditional offense without Vick. Following an interception by Samuel, McNabb drove Philadelphia 57 yards to the Jaguars 1. But rookie LeSean McCoy dropped McNabb's backward pass, Iwuh picked it up and ran it back for a 14-3 lead.

McNabb and the rest of the starters came out for the second half and put up 14 points. McCoy ran in from the 4 to cut it to 17-13. McNabb later tossed a 4-yard TD pass to Marcus Mailei.

Josh Scobee kicked a pair of 49-yard field goals for the Jaguars.

Vick completed a 4-yard shovel pass to McCoy on his first play. He ran for 1 yard on his second play and was a decoy as a wideout on his third play.

With McNabb standing on the sideline, Vick then completed a 13-yard pass to Hank Baskett to the Jaguars 11. Akers kicked a 31-yard field goal a few plays later.

Kevin Kolb, playing his first game of the preseason after missing the first two with a knee injury, rallied the Eagles in the fourth quarter. He was 10 for 18 for 102 yards and one TD.

The game finally ended after the Jaguars lateraled about a dozen times on the last play.

A judge on Thursday approved Vick's plan to repay creditors who are owed $20 million and emerge from bankruptcy on the same day he was scheduled to return to the playing field with the Eagles.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank Santoro said while Vick is "at the pinnacle of his profession," he has proven unable to manage his finances in the past and ordered him to retain a financial planner as a condition of the plan. The plan was overwhelmingly approved in a ballot of creditors.

Vick, 29, hustled away from the courthouse with his fiancee, Kijafa Frink, to catch a flight back to Philadelphia and make his debut with the Eagles in a preseason game.

"I'm happy it's over. I can move on with my life," Vick said.

"I'm excited about the game," he said. Asked if he was nervous, he said, "Not at all."

The plan approved by Santoro was supported by all creditors or representatives in court, save for one creditor owed $13,000. It hinges on Vick liquidating an estimated $9 million in assets, including houses, boats and high-end sport utility vehicles. He would not have to pay creditors during the first year with the Eagles.

Future payments would depend on Vick's salary, with creditors getting payments based on how much Vick earns. The Eagles have a $5.2 million option for next year, not including incentives.

Creditors ranging from banks holding mortgages on Vick houses to his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, endorsed Vick's plan to repay them.

A lawyer representing one group of creditors on Wednesday called Vick's signing by the Eagles "a huge development in the case."

Vick is eligible to play the final two preseason games, but not in the regular season. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by no later than Week 6, in mid-October.

Besides his creditors, Vick ultimately will face legal bills approaching $2 million for his bankruptcy team.