As unfortunate as it was for Donovan McNabb to suffer a rib injury in the third quarter of Sunday's 38-10 win over Carolina, the reps that Kevin Kolb received will go a long way to help him get ready in case he's needed to start next week against the New Orleans Saints.
"This gives you a feel for the No. 1 defense in a game-time, regular season scenario," Kolb said. "It gives you a little bit of confidence and a sense of calmness. Hopefully, we can come out next week with 11 guys, rock and roll and put some points on the board.
"We have to rock and roll. There's no time to stagger."
Kolb was 7-of-11 for 23 yards including three rushes for 4 yards. Even though the offense wasn't able to generate any points while he was in the game, Kolb was able to move the ball down the field before penalties or sacks stalled the drive. Kolb said that if he is called to start, he needs to display the ability to command the top offense.
"Personally, I just have to go in there and show leadership," Kolb said.
It doesn't hurt having a defense that forced seven turnovers and generated five sacks on Sunday.
"The defense played great - a lot of turnovers there," Kolb said. "We had a short field to work with a lot of the time."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 5:47 p.m., September 13
