Philadelphia Daily News from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 100

SPORTS KiS R-''- IVPm Of more pressing concern to the Eagles and the other teams in the NFC East is the surprising resurrection that might be going on in the nation's capital. Almost universally picked to finish last in the division and to be one of the weaker teams in the NFC, the Redskins are 2-0. And, yes, that was the much-abused Grossman, who threw two interceptions in the first quarter, again looking like a high-quality quarterback in crunch time. Kolb's bomb to Fitzgerald could have been a back-breaker, but Grossman immediately marched the Redskins right down the field. His 18-yard touchdown pass to Santana Moss completed a 13-play drive that went for 73 yards.

"In the first half, it was one mistake here or there," said Grossman, hadn't brought a team back from a fourth-quarter deficit to a victory since Nov. 25, 2007, when the Chicago Bears rallied to beat Denver in overtime, 37-34. "Any time you throw a couple of picks early, it doesn't feel good. But you have a lot of game left and a chance to change things. You can't let that negative momentum stay with you.

"We didn't capitalize on some drives, but we did when it counted." Washington hadn't started a season 2-0 since 2007, and next week it has a chance to go to 3-0, 2-0 in the division, with a victory at Dallas. "I was proud of the way we played today sticking in there," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. "Sometimes, you've just got to find a way to win. "It shows a lot character to move the ball the way we did but not get in the end zone, go down but then find a way to fight back in the fourth quarter and win. "But I think our team is grounded enough and works hard enough to know that things can change quickly in the NFL.

I believe our players are smart enough to know that you are only as good as your last performance." Kevin Kolb, pursued by Redskins linebacker London Fletcher, looks downfield for a receiver in Arizona's 22-21 loss. ROB CARR GETTY IMAGES JURY STILL OUT ON KOLB JOHN SMALLWOOD smallwjphillynews.com His career total for interceptions is 15, same as his total of touchdowns. "Obviously, that was sickening," Kolb said. "I gave away at least three points. I threw an interception in the red zone.

"To be honest, I thought I could make the throw. Arizona wide receiver Andre Roberts did the exact right thing. He read exactly what I wanted him to do, but I put the ball behind him, which you can't do there in the middle. "I don't have all the answers. I'll go back and watch the film and try to learn where I can and improve for this week." Realistically, wondering about what Kolb may or may not have become with the Eagles is moot.

If Michael Vick wins a Super Bowl for Philadelphia, Kolb will be an afterthought no matter what his career looks like in Arizo- Kolb's chance to post a signature, last-minute comeback was halted when wide receiver Chan-si Stuckey fumbled after making a 12-yard reception. "It's kind of shocking to have that lead there at the end," Kolb said. "Then we had a chance with that 4-minute drive before they scored, and then that 2-minute drive at the end. "It's our own fault. We accept it.

No excuses. We have a lot of veterans on the team and a lot of young guys that can learn from this, and I'm one of them." Once again, nothing was answered about Kolb. He did enough to make you believe he's got a nice future, but not enough to think he's going to be a star. Kolb drove the Cardinals deep into Redskins territory to start the third quarter, but threw a bad interception to linebacker London Fletcher. LANDOVER, Md.

Two games into his career as the starting quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals, Kevin Kolb is the same question mark he was for 4 years with the Eagles. Last week in his debut with the Cardinals, Kolb was terrific, completing 18 of 27 passes for 309 yards with two touchdowns. He had a passer rating of 130.0 in an Arizona victory. Kolb looked like a star. Yesterday, in a 22-21 loss to the Washington Redskins, Kolb wasn't as efficient.

It wasn't that Kolb played poorly or was the reason Arizona lost. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 251 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. Still, after putting the Cardinals in position for a win with a big fourth-quarter touchdown pass, Kolb had a chance to ce- ment the victory. With just under 5 Vi minutes left and Arizona leading, 21-19, the Cardinals had possession on their own 20. Drive Arizona to a couple of first downs, run out the clock, and Kolb's 73-yard touchdown strike to Larry Fitzgerald 5 minutes earlier becomes the highlight of a big victory.

Arizona ran three plays, two that were incomplete passes, and then punted. Revitalized Washington quarterback Rex Grossman then led the Redskins down-field to set up a go-ahead field goal by Graham Gano. Send email to smallwjphillynews.com. For recent columns, go to www.philly.comSmallwood. Monday, September 19, 2011 PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS Page 101.