Skelton

[B2Bomber]

Cardinals took Floyd in the first round last night. On Mike and Mike this morning they were discussing how great of a pick it was and that Kolb no longer has an excuse, but then Greeny said that there is a lot of chatter out there that Skelton is the guy, no Kolb. Apparently, peole are talking in Arizona and they are saying they believe Skelton is the right guy for this team. I hope John comes out out of the gate strong and make people speak up louder about his potential status with this team. He will benefit from a true training camp. I think Kolb is overrated, but Skelton will have to go above and beyond to win the spot outright in camp.

Good Luck buddy!

I think the Cleveland Browns hit a grand slam last night in the draft.   Unbelievable.  Well done to their management!  And a lot of teams simply shanked it....when it was a deep draft (I know its only the first round of 7).   Some teams were just pathetic with their picks.  Awful.   

I think Skelton now has to really shine....this is his chance, his day, his hour so to speak.   To step up.   I think he is up to the task.  I know he is well smart enough to see the handwriting on the wall....both good handwriting and bad.    He knows what he needs to do.

The Cards did NOT draft any QB's last night....and Wheedon was staring them in the face BIG TIME.   And he is the real deal out of Oklahoma State.   Don't mention his age.  In fact, that is a plus if you ask me.   So by passing on him and keeping Kolb and Skelton, they are telling their QB's....put up or ship out.   

[FUCoP69]

I am no expert on pro contracts, and yes....players can be cut.  But I guess that means they really aren't worth the paper they are written on because what you are saying is that they can bring in someone over them at any time, during the season or off-season and tell them they have been 'put on waivers" and dumped on the street.  You are only as good as your last touchdown or sack.   But players aren't free to walk when they want?    They have to request to be traded?   And if the team refuses they are anchored to that team?   Please explain.

The simplest explanation lies in the difference between the NFL Players' Association and the Major League Baseball Players' Association. Beginning in the 1970s, Executive Director Marvin Miller made the MLBPA the gold standard for negotiating professional players' benefits. Major League baseball players now have the very best contract protections in all of sports, and the MLBPA public relations department is first class. So we tend to think that all professional athletes have similar protections, but it's not so. The NFLPA has historically been very weak.

[sleuth]

Interesting article about John's status with the Arizona Cardinals.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188666-arizona-cardinals-quarterback-competition-have-the-cardinals-tipped-their-hand

[oktornado]

Interesting article about John's status with the Arizona Cardinals.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188666-arizona-cardinals-quarterback-competition-have-the-cardinals-tipped-their-hand

Kinda in same vein, this article compares Skelton and Texan's Yates to Tebow, number wise.  Actually combines John and Yates, but makes a good point, re give credit where credit is due.  Find it strange that experts like King and Clayton all over Skelton re accuracy, yet treat other "developing" 3d years better, give THEM a break, for the most part.  Read somewhere Whisenhunt did interview, defended Skelton against push for Kolb, re no matter stats, how he looked, he won x many games last season... 

http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2011/12/what-if-t-j-yates-and-john-skelton-were-tim-tebow/

Posted same on facebook, can't wait to see Kool Aid-drinking NYJ fans respond...although there don't seem to be too many thrilled w Tebow trade, to be fair! 

[fordham81]

A lot of good press out west regarding John's chances this season. Here is a sample

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1224088-6-arizona-cardinals-due-for-breakout-season-in-2012#/articles/1224088-6-arizona-cardinals-due-for-breakout-season-in-2012/page/6

[joeb]

I got annoyed when I saw sporting news profile for jskelton which totally dismissed his part in the 6-2 record while he was the starter. again because of accuracy which also goes back to todd mcshay's bs. JS has already outperformed many so called experts and obviously had big play capability that kolb did not have. 11 ts in 8 games as compared to 9 in 9 for kolb.

[Vooter]

Interesting article about John's status with the Arizona Cardinals.

It's not even close--Skelton's bigger, he moves better, he's more poised in the pocket, he's got a better arm, he seems smarter, he's got a better attitude, he doesn't get down on himself, and his teammates like him better. His biggest problem, as the story mentioned, is that he tends to airmail his passes, something that the bigger receivers should help (and that I assume can be fixed mechanically)...

[Rose Hill Ram 09]

http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_20896175/el-paso-native-john-skelton-vies-be-arizona-cardinals-starting-qb?source=most_viewed

nice article about john.  awful that they called us D3

[Bronx Boy]

Awful that they called us D-III.

If da shoe fits, ...

[kenman]

Has anyone been following John's progress?  Any news?

[El Jefe]

Has anyone been following John's progress?  Any news?

From the AZ Republic:

Camp confidential: Thursday afternoon's two-hour practice was the first in pads this season. Coach Ken Whisenhunt predicted early in the day that things might look sloppy, but there were several standout plays. Quarterback John Skelton connected with Andre Roberts for a long touchdown. Defensive end Landon Cohen made a couple of good plays against the run. Quarterback Kevin Kolb showed good mobility in avoiding pressure. But in practice, a good play on one side of the ball usually means there was a bad play on the other. For instance, outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield bull-rushed rookie offensive tackle Bobby Massie during pass-rush drills.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/2012/07/26/20120726arizona-cardinals-training-camp-report-july-26-2012.html#ixzz21rj1YFsk

[KPW]

Kevin Kolb to start Hall of Fame game, Cardinals teammates prefer that John Skelton would start the season as the starting quarterback.

Link: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/19696316/kevin-kolb-to-start-hall-of-fame-game

[shortshot]

Kolb 1 for 4, 1 interception and went out hurt. John 4 for 6 and 32 yards. I can't tell from the article but I don't think John played that long. I wounder who is winning the QB fight?

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/08/05/5149/index.html#recap#?xid=si_nfl

[tuckertomm]

John played only one series, 90 yard Td drive. Go John! He was replaced by the rookie.

[JimboCBA72]

Scroll on espn said JS played two series.  Didn't see game so cannot verify

[ramsQB17]

I saw the game.  john only played 2 series. kolb got injured he came on in relief.  on the 2nd series Skelton put together a 90 TD drive.  the 4 completions were shorter variety.. but he was poised and look confident-capable and most importantly, moved the chains.  I do think Wisenhunt pulled the plug on John early b-c with Kolb down he didnt want to chance John getting hurt as well.  

Isa Abdul Quddus made a few tackles for NO and Steve Skelton had 2 receptions for AZ in the 4th quarter.  the announcers made mention of Fordham several times throughout the broadcast.  In fact, one comment "when was the last time you had 3 Fordham players--playing in the same NFL game"     Im biased--and regardless of Kolb injury-- just feel Skelton is the better all around QB..  arm strength-pocket presence-command of the team..

[An Old Coach]

First game out he looked pretty good, I think. 

I have a feeling Kolb has some serious dog in him. Skelton is going to get his chances

[triFFF]

I agree he looked good ... Coach M believes he is (certainly already and should continue)a real asset to Fordham and the team respectively (recruiting). 

[caliram]

I think the Cardinals should just get this nonsense over with and name Skelton the Starting QB. This is not even my Fordham Bias speaking. Anyone who has paid attention to this battel at all over the past year can clearly see that Kolb is a Dog. He got his money and ran. He is soft always hurt and is a liability to the team. Cardinal players have questioned his work ethic and desire to compete. If not for 50+ million we would not be having this conversation.

Skelton is tough and wants to compete. he earned the respect of his teamates and went 6-2 last year. By no means is he perfect and has a lot of work to do but If im going to battel I want Skelton...

[An Old Coach]

I think the Cardinals should just get this nonsense over with and name Skelton the Starting QB. This is not even my Fordham Bias speaking. Anyone who has paid attention to this battel at all over the past year can clearly see that Kolb is a Dog. He got his money and ran. He is soft always hurt and is a liability to the team. Cardinal players have questioned his work ethic and desire to compete. If not for 50+ million we would not be having this conversation.

Skelton is tough and wants to compete. he earned the respect of his teamates and went 6-2 last year. By no means is he perfect and has a lot of work to do but If im going to battel I want Skelton...

I don't know how much money is due Kolb but that is probably a big part of the issue.  I've read more than once that he's not that in to playing.

[NYRam07]

I think John will ahve every opportunity to win the starting Job this offseason. I would even say its his job to lose. Kolb is an inferior QB who is getting the look because of the money he was paid. Wouldnt be shocked if he's out after this season.

[El Jefe]

I don't know how much money is due Kolb but that is probably a big part of the issue.  I've read more than once that he's not that in to playing.

I found the following re Kolb's compensation, which totals $63.5 million:

        Base Salary    S. Bonus    Misc. Bonus    Cap Hit
2011 2,000,000       2,000,000      -                4,000,000 
2012 1,000,000       2,000,000  1,900,000        4,900,000 
2013 9,000,000       2,000,000  3,900,000       14,900,000 
2014 10,000,000     2,000,000  1,900,000       13,900,000 
2015 10,000,000     2,000,000  1,900,000       13,900,000 
2016 10,000,000     -              1,900,000       11,900,000

•$12 million guaranteed (Signing Bonus, 2011 salary)
•Signing Bonus: $10 million
•2012 Option Bonus: $7 million
•2013 Roster Bonus: $2 million
•Annual Workout Bonus: $500,000

The Cardinals also gave up D. Rogers-Cromartie and a 2012 second rd pick in the trade.  You can understand why the organization needs to back Kolb as long as possible.  If he is bought out or cut, it likely will be after this year. 

[fordham81]

Interesting update:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp12/story/_/id/8267800/sources-john-skelton-favorite-win-arizona-cardinals-qb-job-kevin-kolb


John Skelton likely to win job

Updated: August 14, 2012, 10:39 AM ETESPN.com news services T

The Arizona Cardinals plan to start quarterback Kevin Kolb against the Oakland Raiders on Friday in their third preseason game. However , John Skelton is considered the favorite to win the job, people within the organization told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Tuesday.


Kolb Skelton
 
Neither Skelton nor Kolb has managed anything close to a breakthrough performance in their brief time on the field in the first two games. Kolb is just 2 of 9 for 25 yards, his playing time reduced when he left the Hall of Fame Game against the New Orleans Saints in the third series with bruised ribs.

He was 1 of 5 for 21 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Cardinals' second preseason game and had one pass dropped. Skelton has completed 7 of 12 for 67 yards with one interception. Against Kansas City, he was 3 of 6 for 35 yards with one pick.

Neither has thrown a touchdown pass.

The Cardinals thought they had acquired their franchise quarterback when they sent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a draft pick to Philadelphia for Kolb, then signed him to a five-year, $63 million contract -- with $21 million guaranteed.

But with no offseason because of the lockout, Kolb struggled to absorb the Cardinals' offense and then was sidelined with injury. Skelton replaced him, and though his passing often was erratic, he had a knack for bringing the team from behind in the fourth quarter.

Kolb was 2-6 as a starter last year, missing much of the season with turf toe and later a concussion. Skelton, a fifth-round draft pick out of Fordham entering his third NFL season, was 6-2 in his absence, but much of the credit for that success went to the team's vastly improved defense.

Information from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter and The Associated Press was used in this report.

[JimboCBA72]

ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that John Skelton will be named the starting QB of Cardinals.  Fantastic news!

[txram]

ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that John Skelton will be named the starting QB of Cardinals.  Fantastic news!

Yes, with Kolb having played at Houston, Houston sports radio was interested and was reporting the same thing.  Great for John.

[ZonaRam]

According to Whisenhunt, no decision has been made.  I hope that John has strong outings the next few weeks and locks up the starting job.

FLAGSTAFF – Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he was told about the ESPN report claiming John Skelton is the favorite to win the Cardinals’ quarterback job, but added he was “not familiar” with it.
Kevin Kolb will start Friday night against the Raiders, Skelton is slated to start in Tennessee next week, and Whisenhunt said there is no timetable with which he’s using to reach the quarterback decision.
“As far as favorites and long shots we’ve never really thought about it in those terms,” Whisenhunt said. “We’ve said all along it’s a process. Everyone wants instant evaluation, but we just don’t think in those terms.”
Whisenhunt said he is using practice and games, as well as overall evaluation, to make the decision, which he said will boil down to the player who best gives the Cards the chance to win.
“All of it goes together,” Whisenhunt said. “The game part is important, but I don’t pay attention to the stats as much. A lot of times when we look at the film, there are reasons for a pass being incomplete or the pocket breaking down. Production is important don’t get me wrong. But the preseason is about finding out who handles it the best.”
He also said the Cards aren’t sitting back and making tallies on a daily basis for or against either guy.
“If you did that, you’d change your evaluation every day,” Whisenhunt said. “You can’t get wrapped up in a guy having a bad practice or a good practice. There are a number of different challenges you face.”

[JimboCBA72]

Thanks T...I was hoping to get a report from someone much closer to the action

[El Jefe]

The press in AZ is not only analyzing the QB battle, they also are analyzing whether there is truth to the  rumor that Skelton is the favorite. 

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/2012/08/14/20120814arizona-cardinals-john-skelton-favorite.html

The article includes a poll where readers can vote for their choice as QB.  Skelton is out in front with 65%, which is 50% more than the next closest QB, Ryan Lindley.

[SIram]

I voted for John to start

[sleuth]

Nice article in todays New York Post about John.

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/college/football/former_fordham_qb_skelton_leads_nnhHcedmttqQOzTw7cUx9M