First, the final (?) message on Cobb/Kolb Contractgate. Kevin went on 610-WIP earlier today and squashed the reporter who shares his name:
“We haven’t even talked to them as far as I know,” Kolb told WIP host Howard Eskin. “That totally blew me away when that was reported because that was obviously false.
“I don’t even talk to my agent [Jeff Nalley] that much about it because ultimately it doesn’t have anything to do with what we say. So we’re kind of just sitting back right now and letting things iron out. We know there’s still some time here and I’m sure there’ll be a phone call some time in the near future or a meeting. But as of right now we’re just going to let it iron out and have faith that the right decision’s going to be made.”
Ok, so on the surface at least, it seems like the Eagles and Kolb haven’t had any serious discussion yet. But this was still a strange interview. “As far as I know”? “I don’t even talk to my agent”? Those are just some weird statements from Kolb.
I’m not going any further than that. No point in stoking the flame more.
Second, here’s a flattering report on Kevin Kolb from Scouts Inc.’s Matt Williamson:
“He’s been very impressive in limited snaps, going back to preseason. Although last year he got thrown into action when [Donovan] McNabb got benched against the Baltimore Ravens, and he looked horrible. But that was the worst-case scenario for the poor guy, too, to go into the second half against one of the best defenses in the league with no preparation. So you tend to wash that away. But since then Kolb has really stepped it up, and I am high on him. I think he can make every throw. He’s a quick decision-maker, and he’s a good enough athlete. Kolb has everything you want physically, and the ball comes out of his hand really nice. He has an awful lot of upside, almost like a Matt Schaub when he was in Atlanta or Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay [waiting] behind Brett Favre. Kolb just needs to get a crack at it. I kind of feel like he’s the next guy to be breaking out, either with his present team or with a new team. Considering what some of the teams are starting in this league, I would start Kolb today, still being more of an unknown, over 10 or 12 starting quarterbacks for sure.”
A glowing report to be sure. It’s especially nice to hear Kolb “can make every throw,” since one of the big dropoffs to him from McNabb is arm strength. And maybe more important: “quick decision-maker.”
Williamson said he’d start Kolb over one third of QBs starting right now. That’s a big vote of confidence based on the few games he’s played. You have to think Andy Reid and the rest of the Eagles front office is even more positive on Kolb, with thousands of hours of practice on top of that.
It’ll be interesting to see how Reid characterizes Kolb if/when he finally takes over for McNabb, and how he knew Kolb was ready. Until then, I’ll take any (qualified) take that I can get.