Cardinals Quarterback Kevin Kolb Will Get the Start in New England
By Scott Allen
Sept. 9, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb (4) attempts to throw the ball in the fourth quarter against Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-US PRESSWIRE
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb apparently will be the starter this Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to Cards team president Michael Bidwill. He went on the airwaves on KTAR 92.3 this afternoon on the Karie and Chuck Show and made the announcement. As of Monday, Cards coach Ken Whisenhunt wouldn’t go as far. In fact, nothing from coach Whisenhunt on Tuesday to back the announcement up, however Tuesday is typically the players off day.
For Kolb, it’s a second chance to make an impression on the coaches in a starter’s role. This past Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, Kolb came on in relief of John Skelton, who suffered a low ankle sprain in the fourth quarter, allowing Kolb to come in and go 6-8 for 66 yard and a touchdown.
We should hear more from coach Whisenhunt on this tomorrow when the Cards take to the field for practice in preparation of this weekend’s game. The assumption from my point of view is the decision is probably because Skelton is not considered to be able to be 100 percent this Sunday. Of course Kolb’s drive on Sunday might have made the decision easier. Normally coach Wiz doesn’t like to make a change due to injury, so I imagine this will be a chance to have Skelton rest his ankle against an opportunistic defense in New England.
If Bidwill is saying it, it has to be true, however I would love confirmation from Wiz on Wednesday. Kolb had better grab this opportunity by the horns. He doesn’t necessarily have to win this week in order to keep his job. Going into Foxbourough and winning is no easy task. If he limits his mistakes and produces a couple of nice scoring drives, touchdown drives, he might do just enough to keep the starting job even if Skelton is 100 percent. I have to think this is the scenario Whiz wanted to appear during the preseason. Better late than never I say.