Beware of what you ask for because you might get it. That’s what both Kevin Kolb and the Eagles need to know. Of course the Eagles will have to hope that Michael Vick is able to stay healthy, once they trade Kolb. but Kolb had better know that there will be a lot expected of him when takes over the next football team.
He wants to be a starter somewhere in the National Football League and that’s understandable. Every decent player in the league wants to be a starter, but Kolb’s situation is different. He will be expected to be a star and one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL immediately. Kolb had better realize that he’s being brought in to make a team a winner or even better than that, a champion.
I believe the key with Kolb will be the level of talent that he will play with. Kolb can excel in the right situation and we’ve seen that the last couple of years when he had a great game plan, quality receivers to get the ball to and a good performance from his offensive line. He lit up the skies against Kansas City in 2009 and Atlanta in 2010.
In both of those games the offensive line played well, the receivers were open and Kolb got the ball to them. Make not mistake about, Kolb can be deadly accurate if he’s allowed to get his rhythm in the pocket. He’s got a good feel for making a quick decision about where to go to with the ball, as long as everybody else is doing their job.
In the Chiefs and Falcons games, he didn’t have pass rushers in his face or receivers struggling to get open. Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg put him in position to succeed and to his credit, he took advantage of it. That’s an ideal situation, but that’s not normally the case in the National Football League.
Kolb struggled when the receivers weren’t quite as open and the offensive line was playing as well.
I don’t think he’ll be able to carry a team. Kolb is going to need to be behind a good offensive line or have a very good running game to keep the heat off of him. I don’t see him flourishing with a team that asks him to throw the ball 40 times a game behind a mediocre offensive line.
Buying time for mediocre wide receivers to get open, while pass rushers are getting in his face, isn’t his strength. Kolb needs to be in a situation where he’ll have time to throw the football and quality targets to throw to.
It’s time to produce for Kevin. If the offensive line which Kolb winds up lining up behind is not on top of their games, Kolb will still be expected to produce. If the wide receivers are ineffective, Kolb will still be expected to produce.
I’m anxious to see if he will be solid in the pocket, if his offensive line breaks down. Will he keep his eyes downfield or will he start 
focusing on the pass rush?
The team he will be playing on will have given up a first round draft pick for him and he’ll be making starting quarterback money. Michael Vick won’t be around to hand the ball to, if things don’t go well. The fans won’t have a stomach for excuses.
Remember that Kolb was given the starting job to lead the Eagles last year after Donovan McNabb was traded, but he subsequently lost the job to Vick. He must succeed in his next opportunity, but he might not have the same quality in the supporting cast, but he will still be expected to succeed.
This is the time that Kolb has been waiting for. He’s been wanting to be “the man”. The former Houston Cougar will be “the man” soon, if the court case which starts on April 6th ends the way the NFL Players Association hopes it will. They will get an injunction against the owners current lock out and the rules that governed the league under the CBA signed in 2006 will be back in effect.
The coach that brings in Kolb will also be on the hook. If he drafted a quarterback out of college, fans would give him some time to develop that quarterback, so the coach wouldn’t be asked to win immediately.
The coach that trades for Kolb will be expected win right now.
It’s a good thing that a lot of teams need QB’s! Reid claims that he watched this guy in college. Not to mention that our football season was going on. He has been coached in this system. For the Eagles to get rid of him now is another blow to the Eagles draft process. Remember we let Dallas get Spencer and we took Kolb! What a joke!
I hope he’s successful (outside of the NFC East). He was always very professional and never threw any of our guys, coaches, or city under the bus. From the little I saw, he was a good dude.
Some point to Kolb’s limited resume and deem him a success. Thus, the expectancy.
In my opinion, most of the adjectives bestowed upon him prior to the beginning of last season proved to be false. We were told to expect quick reads and a quick release, which would ease pressure on the offensive line to hold its blocks. We also were told that Kolb’s accuracy would enable him to hit receivers in stride, thereby producing more yards after the catch.
What I saw was a guy who couldn’t get the ball down field, sometimes threw it up for grabs and who shied away from pressure after the first hit. While he displayed some ability to extend plays, it was nothing that could be considered a great asset.
With injuries playing such a large part in a team’s success, at some point, Kolb will be called upon to carry a team. That’s something that I just don’t see him capable of doing.
Eagle 32 – the eagoes have one of the best draft processes in the NFL – learn a little about the league and the draft success of all QBs – think of all the huge first rd QB draft busts – the Matt leinharts, Jamarcus Russel – that Kolb has been in the league as long as he has, to win several Offensive Player of the week awards, is an excellent indication of how solid the Eagle draft process is. Not every 2nd round pick goes on to be Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, many more end up along with Akili Smith and Ryan Lief……
As even more ‘proof’ to the system, if the information we are being fed is correct – that former 2nd round pick will now be traded for a first round pick… so, again, if our ‘draft’ system is broken, think of how ‘broken’ some teams scouting system must be because now they are willing to give up a 1st round pick… follow the logic
Drummer – I disagree. I think Kolb will be able to carry a team. I think he is going to be a darn good starter in this league. Not here in Philly, as Vick surprised all of us last year with his play, but I will be disappointed to not have Kolb backing him up.
I agree with all above and remember that 6-7 Starts where you are working with the #1’s full time and developing a rhtym and confidence is not a lot of starts over the last couple of years… How well was Aaron Rodgers,MArk Sanchez,
Tony Romo,Eli Manning, or any QB playing after 6-7 Career Starts..
Starting a game here and a game there is not really a accurate way to judge a QB.. Give him 1 fulL season where he is the full time Starter week in and week out and then we can make a more accurate judgement.. I don’t think he’s an All-Pro type of QB, but I also dopn’t think he’s a bust either.. I picture him as an in between of a Mark Bulger-Matt Hasselback type of QB..
They can win and be succesful but only with a good supporting team surrounding them as they are players who are not going to win too many games by themselves..
Navy, I totally disagree with your assesment of the Eagles draft process. Even if you want to give credit for drafting Maclin, Jackson and McCoy. There are way to many misses to even have this discussion. I didn’t even think it was up for debate. Take last year. Why would you draft another undersized lineman to bookend with Trent Cole? Graham may turn out to be a beast, but can you name one team with a dominate 4-3 defense with small defensive ends?
Btw the examples that you gave for QB’s that underacheived where QB’s for loosing organizations. We were competing for championships!
Navy
I don’t know about the Eagles having one of the best draft processes.
It seems apparent that they know how to groom QBs. Both Kolb and Vick are testaments to that fact.
Do you also disagree with the remainder of my post, i.e., the quick reads/release, etc.
Navy
On what will Kolb rely when he’s called upon to carry his team – i.e., accuracy, escapability, toughness?
For example, with Rodgers it’s his accuracy, with Roethlisberger, it’s his toughness, Vick escapability.
Philly.com has a great article:
Andy to Suitors: Kolb Can Win Championships
I won’t even comment on this one.
Kolb isn’t a rookie, he’s been in the NFL for 4 seasons. He should be expected to produce. Will he, is the question?
I’m not a fortune teller and I’m not going to pretend to be. But from what I’ve seen Kolb, will need a good OLINE and a good running back (as G has stated) Now does that mean Kolb will be an All PRO, lead his new team to the Super Bowl? No, doesnt mean that at all, he will be a decent starting QB, some games he will be stellar some games he will be awful…He’s a tad better than an Alex Smith….
Paulman. 6 -7 starts isn’t enough over the last couple of years? But 3 starts in 2009 was enough for everyone to name him the future of the franchise?
I think it is great that he has only started 7 games. Teams haven’t really been able to see him as much so the optimism is there.
The Eagles draft process is nothing special.especially over recent years…nothing but mediocre, especially on the defensive side of the ball…I can’t think of any rookie on the defensive side of the ball in the last few seasons, that has made an significant impact over the course of their Eagles career. We’ve given players 3 + years from rookies and really who/what has been so great?
Forget the 4 years expereice stuff RT777
Kolb has never started more than 3 games in a row.. You can’t expech much from your QB unless he is playing full time, health and with the #1 Squad all week long and ove ra course of a season.. 6-7 spot Starts over a 2-3 year period is not enough to go by (good or bad)..
paulman do you honestly believe that the Eagles believe in this guy? Come on man. If they truly believed in him it wouldn’t matter how good Vick is. They definately wouldn’t trade him. Truth be told when Kolb became healthy he would have been the starter if they trully believed he could lead this franchise. We were lead all off season that he could take over for McNabb. He got hurt yes what Vick did was great, but if you have a guy you truly believe in you don’t give up on him period.
I find this line interesting:
“The fans won’t have a stomach for excuses”
That should read “Philly fans won’t have a stomach for….”
I remember a game in the mid 90s….Vet…vs San Diego…WHen Cunningham was in everyone screaming for Pete…when Pete in chants for Cunningham….when Watters in chants for Garner….when Garner in chants for Watters…..my buddy (SD fan) who was with me kept saying, “man all they want is the other guy here – their favourite player is the backup.”
GB fans did stomach a 6-10 year with Rodgers in his first full year as a starter (3rd yr as a pro) after dumping
Houston fans did stomach a 4-7 year with Schaub after the trade (though jury still out on him I guess)
The reality is that most fan bases are patient with a new QB and don’t immediately jump on the backup bandwagon or scream for the new guy’s head….they understand that a season of starts for a QB to be comfortable with speed of the game or a new system.
Paulman,
In this situation you can discount the 4 years experience. Kolbs experience is a big part as to why teams feel comfortable making a move for Kolb. He has NFL experience, in an NFL system, learning behind good offensive NFL coaches….the 4 years experience is just as big as Kolb winning an offensive player of the week award for one of his starts….
To your point, that 7 starts over 2 years isn’t enough to go by…you are absolutely right…but because he has not started that much, the optimism of what could be from interested teams is there. If Kolb would have started behind the Eagles O Line this past season, I honestly believe he would of hurt his stock more than elevate it…
Eagle 32…..
and the Eagles’ brass can’t be wrong? (in their love for Vick – who’s proven oh just about nothing over his career….)
They seemed to truely believe in the Andrews, in Reno, in Simineau, in Freddie….and in Mamula….
@VinnietheVictor
The new guy? wasn’t the new guy Vick? Vick was the man away from football for 2 seasons, correct? Kolb was learning the Eagles system during this time, correct? Kolb should have been further along than he was, that is the problem!
Hey, Vinnie! How ya doin’, man?
Vinnie
You forgot one – they also believed in Kolb – so much so that they handed him the reigns without any competition.
LMAO
Vinnie, your favorite player is the backup! Be real, on the Eagles roster, Kolb has always been the backup!
Great job G. Exactly what I’ve been saying about Kolb… As long as he is the least talented guy on the field you will do fine.
I don’t hate the man I just think he was drafted way to high, was crowned starter without earning it, struggles under pressure, underthrows deep balls, throws a lot of int’s.
Eag 32 – then not much to talk about with you. Clealry facts, detailed draft analysis, the opinions of most major draft magazines, and a proven track record will not overcome your pre-conceived, though extremely limited, view of how well the Eagles draft. There are 32 teams, the Eagles are in the top 5 teams in the NFL in drafting. Fans on this board don’t bother themselves to research all 32 teams, they just scream ‘Kolb is a bust’ and they can’t draft. You yourself just listed 3 players, how about Hermmans – a Div II player, now a solid OL, Justice, McGlynn, Celek, Cole, Nate Allen, Coleman a 7th round steal… You have to look at the percentages of ‘successful’ picks verse busts (Matt McCoy, Hunt, McDougal). Most fans won’t do that, but many major organizations do, and the Eagles always rank in the top 5 – go, go to a book store or a magazine shop and read –
Team has enough issues without people making up new ones for them…
Drummer – guess we will get to see. I think Arizona or Seattle –
I took a good look at the other games besides the Chiefs and Falcons and know Kolb can’t play well against formidable defenses. Period.
The Chiefs were doormats when he started against them, and as we all seen in the last quarter of the seaseon that the Falcons are frauds.
Let’s look at the other games he played.
How did you like him in his debut of the 2nd half against Baltimore?
two pick 6’s
What about the Saints game he threw away before the half?
What? 3 interceptions? 1 pick 6
Let’s talk about Kolb’s performance in the opener against Green Bay “before the concussion”.
He was absolutely terrible and didn’t want any part of that pass rush. He was inaccurate, skittish, scared, and out right pitiful.
He did enough against the Titans but the right corner bit us, but that last game against Dallas was telling. Everyone wants to blame his supporting cast of back ups in a meaningless game but when you view that game…those players played good enough to win and the game came down to the last seconds. Kolb was pathetic when the game was on the line.
That’s the Kolb we know and if a team is stupid enough to give up a 1st rounder for him, then they deserve everything that’s coming….If you want to beat good defenses, Kolb is not the Answer.
Kolb better go to the Vikings or Arizona…he’ll at least have some exceptional talent around him, and even in those situations we would not be surprised if he failed.
If Kolb had an upside the Eagles would have never stuck with Vick when Kolb was cleared to play.
Reid knows what we know…..and the only way to salvage the mistake in drafting him in the first place is to get a first rounder for him now.
Bring on the Suckers…Kevin Kolb is ready for prime time!!!!!
Give us a 1st Rounder and we’ll throw in a few used footballs and pocket sized bottle of snake oil.
Any takers?
Throw in your Diesel Video’s and you have a deal Songs..
I am not sold on Kolb either but really couldn’t make a final jusgement until
a QB has consistent reps/practice with the #1′ Starters over a course of a full season.. Play and practice together for a full 4-5 months Season and 16 games, then we can truly tell if he has what it takes or not..
From the small sampling so far in his career, I would say he has a 65%-35% Chance of being and becoming a legitimate Starter in the NFL, which is probably better chances than any Rookie QB in this years Draft in my opinion.. I think his best situation is to go a veteran team with a solid cast around him that has a strong running game or a offensice system that relays on the running game to set upplay-action pass.. the teams that best suit his skills I believe are Minnesota, Arizona,49ers,Titans,Dolphins, & Seahawks
TO Eagle Co 32
I am not sure Coach AR still believes in QB Kolb has the real stuff or the fact that AR doesn’t want to admit to a failure in Drafting and Grooming him..
I do believe that Coach AR & Co know that Vick is the better QB and gives the best chance for Eagles to win a SB, so I am sure he wants as much value as he can get and at the same time, wants to place QB Kolb in a situation where Kolb can suceed which is how Coach AR goes about things and treats players that have been loyal Eagles that he ends up moving,trading or releasing ..
I agree paulman!
navy how could i be so uninformed to criticize the draft experts. my bad
Songs. You need a new job as a revisionist historian.
You wrote: How did you like him in his debut of the 2nd half against Baltimore? two pick 6′s
It was one pick 6. He drove them to the 2 yrd line 1st and goal. First ever game action, on road, no prep…..who has a QB throwing in that situation anyway?
You wrote: What about the Saints game he threw away before the half?
Kolb did not throw a pick in the first half. In fact….
It was 17-10 with 43 seconds to go before the half and Kolb drove the team 63 yrds for a FG to make it 17-13….not altogether terrible way to end the half in your 2nd career start.
The second half began – Saints kicked off and eagles fumbled the return. 24-13. Eagles next posession and he threw the bad pick that was returned to the 24. TD made it 31-13.
Kolb did throw a pick 6 in that game with 3 mins left in the 4th and the score out of hand….not excusing it, but the game was over at that point.
I’m doing fine Drummer. U? Not much to talk about with offseason the way it is.
Will get more interesting after CBA done. Kolb traded, Vick signs contract and promptly gets involved in something stupid. Good times all around. Confidence is high.
Wow Paulman, I actually agreed with something you said. I disagree with GCOBB about Kolb being expecting to win, immediately. Kolb has played like 6 games in this “NFL veteran career” people speak of on here. 6 games is in no way a substanial period of time for a QB to be accurately judged on how good or bad he is going to potentially be(esp when those 6 games were scatterred here and there over a couple of seasons) and you can’t expect 6 games to be a correct duration of time a NFL QB needs of playing experience before they must in/produce immediately.
If that logic was what teams actually decided to go off of then most successful QBs in the league right now would never be playing. Period. Even Aaron Rodgers went 6-10 as his first year as full time starter. If you went with the ignorant logic that some have on here he would not be playing right now and the Packers would have no Super Bowl ring.
Whoever gets Kolb, their going to give him a season where he can actually get quality experience as a QB. Even if he goes 8-8 or even 6-10(depending on the talent of the team) as long as he shows promise or substantial improvement in himself and on the rest of the offense the team will most likely be sold on him as their future.
Also i wanted to add that if training camp or normal offseason preparation time is effected by this lockout then you really can’t expect Kolb to light it up esp when he has to learn a whole new system and obtain a comfort with his new wide receivers, O-Line etc…
Eag 32 – it is your bad – but remember – draft expertise in hindsight is usually pretty good – I know you were tyring to be clever – don’t. Go to the eagles media guide and look at who the eagles drafted the last say 6 year – now go to (pick a team) do your OWN thinking, compare that with what the national draft magazines are saying – most have a ‘history’ grade and tell you the criteria (# all pros, # starters, # on roster etc. etc.) and form you own opinion. Difference will be that you will now have an INFORMED opinion vice whatever it is your basing your thoguhts on now
Vinnie thanks for the corrections…Now read your response again and that will tell you why we’re shipping Kolb’s ass outta here.
hey songs
we said last off season this dude would be outta here this off season
so who cares what vinnie says he aint never right
now im thinkin of my predictions for this yr so vinnie be quiet so i can think
and kolby might need some help with his bags #1 fan should help em
he never starts more than 3 in a row pman cause he aint never better than the qb or in last yrs case qbs ahead of him lmao
3rd stringer
Philly and songs…
Its interesting you harp so much on 2 pick 6s Kolb threw…one on the road in his first ever game, and the other in his 2nd ever start. That these somehow define his “shittiness”niently whitewash’s your new hero’s performance in ‘big’ games this year
VS vikes for a bye week….Vick 58% comp, fumble returned for TD, 6 sacks, and a pick…Nice work.
And how did the saviour’s playoff game end again?….oh that’s right with a telegraphed int intended for a rookie wr while at least 2 other WR standing or running wide open. Good times all around.
That’s I guess that’s ok….he’s only started 98 games. Funny how you want to run Kolb our of town after 6 games, but this guy keeps making these mistakes after years and years and gets a free pass….Oh wait….. he PROMISED to actually study the playbook this offseason. So its all good.
Yet you convie
Hey Phillywill, you also said trading McNabb was a mistake and that we would suck without him…..guess what, you were wrong on that one too.
Why should any of us care if Kolb plays well when he is with another team? If we get a first round pick in exchange for Kevin Kolb then Andy Reid did a good job picking him in 2007 and the Cowboys got screwed.
When all is said and done the Eagles will have traded the 26th pick in the 2007 draft for the 35th the 87th and the 159th picks in 2007 – and now maybe a top 10 pick in 2011. That’s a lot to get for Anthony Spencer – a guy with 15 sacks in four years.
Irish E – you actually get it……… wow. I had just about given up hope