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Taking a look at the Cardinals' starting quarterback, Kevin Kolb, in advance of the Patriots week two match-up against Arizona.
Name: Kevin Kolb
HT / WT: 6'3", 218 lbs
Experience: 6th season
2011 Stats: 9 games (9 starts); 146/253; 1,955 yards; 9 touchdowns; 8 interceptions
Last Week: 6/8, 68 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Overview: After losing out on the starting quarterback competition to John Skelton, Kevin Kolb has suddenly been thrust back into the starting quarterback job, after Skelton suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter of the team's week one win over the Seahawks. Being thrust into action late, Kolb came and provided the Cardinals a spark on offense, throwing the go ahead touchdown to Andre Roberts. While Kolb might not be the Cardinals' plan A, he's the hot hand right now, and is playing for his chance at ever resurrecting a career as a starter.
What They're Saying: Revenge of the Birds asks the question: What do the Cardinals do if Kevin Kolb plays well against the Patriots?
But is that going to be the case no matter what? What if Kolb goes on the field and looks like he did in that final drive against the Seahawks? It's not inconceivable. After all, most would argue that Seattle has a better defense than New England.
So if he plays well, what happens from there? Let's say you are the coach and you are being forced to make the call. Which way do you turn? Do you stick by your guns and stay with Skelton? Or do you bend a little bit to ride with the hot hand in Kevin Kolb?
Bottom Line: Kevin Kolb has not lived up to the expectations given to him when he was traded to the Cardinals for a huge sum (second round pick and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie), but he is still a talented quarterback who has a strong arm, is quick on his feet, and is hungry to prove people wrong. Kolb has been known to make mistakes when throwing on the run, and can also hold on to the ball for too long. So it goes without saying, that to beat Kolb, the Patriots have to find a way to rattle him.