The Packers came into Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday and controlled the game from the very start. The Eagles' offense could not build any momentum. Their defense was helpless to stop star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and unknown running back James Starks. The Packers were sitting on a five-point lead when the Eagles got the ball back at their own 34-yard line.
The offense that had scored 59 points against Washington, that had come back from a 31-10 fourth-quarter deficit against the New York Giants last month, needed to score one more touchdown to extend the season. Vick opened the drive with a short pass that DeSean Jackson took for a 28-yard gain, down to the Green Bay 38.
The buzz in the stadium was palpable. Here it was, the come-from-behind drive that longtime franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb had failed to produce so many times. Vick had his chance.
"We were very confident," Vick said. "We thought we were going to win the game. I thought we were going to win the game. I had an upbeat feeling about myself. I felt like I was in control."
Vick overthrew tight end Brent Celek on first down. He threw wide of running back LeSean McCoy on second down. On third and 10, he hit rookie receiver Riley Cooper on a slant pattern for 11 yards and a first down.
There were 44 seconds left. Ball on the Green Bay 27. The call from the sideline was for a play in which all four wide receivers on the field sprinted for the end zone.
"Four verticals," Vick said.
"Michael pumped [a fake] inside and threw outside," Reid said.
Cooper was running alongside Williams, jostling for position. He turned a little later than the defender and waited under the ball as it descended. Williams had better position. He caught it and the Eagles' season was over.
So now what?
