Blog: Kevin Kolb vs. John Skelton STILL unclear for Arizona Cardinals

Upon further review, this quarterback competition violates our single steadfast rule – “No math." You know why?  Because, to date, this QB equation reminds us of advanced college calculus – the more we look at it, the more confounded we become.  

As an example, let’s crunch some numbers, starting with Kevin Kolb’s stat line from Nashville: 17-22 passing, with a TD. Nice. Until you factor in the pair of interceptions that might as well be pimples on prom night. Forget the dress, shoes, corsage, and up-do, all anyone is looking at are the two mondo zits, err, inexplicable interceptions, including the pick-six to start the second half. (Too bad INTs can’t be air-brushed out of box scores…dang.) 

Same goes for John Skelton and his very first pass attempt against the Titans, which also resulted in a confidence-rattling pick. Based on my conversation with the head coach, that pass never should’ve been thrown downfield. Instead, Skelton should’ve channeled his inner-Matt Leinart and hit the check-down.     

“You can’t make those kind of mistakes,” Whisenhunt said succinctly." One of the things that you got to learn from this is that you got to get the ball out of your hand."

Will the picks be an important part of the equation? Following my chat with Coach W while in Tennessee, my response would be: “y’all are darn tootin’, I dun reckon'.” (all apologies if I’m still experiencing withdrawal symptoms from the Nashville scene). 

“You have to factor that in when you’re making the evaluations of the guys because a lot of it depends on their decision-making and you can’t afford to do that,” said Whisenhunt during our postgame radio interview on AZ Sports 620 & AZ Cardinals Radio Network. “So that will all be part of the process in evaluating these guys."

As for why we’ve yet to hear a timetable for a decision? Good question. And the easy answer is that there is no such thing as an easy answer. Primarily because neither QB has made the decision with his play on the field.  If anything, both Kolb and Skelton are creating a dust storm with zero visibility. (Why do you think that we went in front of the weather wall on ABC15 Sports Sunday, complete with the clicker?!)

For instance, as one of a handful of media members who has seen most of every practice, Paulie Poll spent the past week or so conducting an unscientific study by posing the following question: “True or False – Kevin Kolb has looked better in practice, while John Skelton has fared better in games?”  

From writers to broadcasters to sideline security dudes and even various players, it’s been an overwhelming and unanimous “uh-huh.” Kolb has indeed been the better practice player (against more complex coverages), while Skelton has played better in the games (against a live pass rush). Confounding.

Yet, it’s also been compelling. Right? So, at least we’re thankful for this month-long QB conundrum.  Otherwise, a 5-game preseason would be mighty monotonous right about now, no doubt.