With the 1-6 start to the season, it is understandable that we as Cardinals fans be upset. Kevin Kolb hasn't been the difference maker many hoped and thought he would be. It turns out that the Cardinals' issues run more deeply than at the quarterback position. But the sentiment that is beginning to be felt that Kolb should be put on the bench is really out of line so far.
Of course, we know that with Kolb currently suffering from turf toe, there is a real possibility that Skelton could start on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. But before we get all excited about that let us look at Skelton's body of work so far.
The stat has been cited that Skelton has won more games than Kolb in less starts.Let's look at that 2-2 record.
Skelton beat the 2010 Denver Broncos. Do you remember them? They were awful. And Skelton didn't beat them. It was Jay Feely and Tim Hightower. The other game he won was a thrilling win. But he had to lead the team down the field for a game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys -- who had played most the game with their third-string quarterback playing. Tony Romo was out for the season and backup John Kitna was knocked out of the game. Skelton squeaked out a victory against a third-stringer.
Let us also not forget he started the game against the Carolina Panthers, who logged their second of their two season wins in that game, beating Skelton and the Cardinals.
Skelton, in his playing time last year, completed LESS THAN 50 PERCENT OF HIS PASSES (yes, I just yelled that). His rating was 62.8. This was with the offense being simplified for him.
Skelton almost did not win the number two quarterback job this year. Rich Bartel almost beat him out.
Now, I am not trying to say that Skelton is a terrible player. But there is absolutely no evidence at all that would indicate that he would be better than Kolb.
He has great physical tools and has looked poised. But he is still a long-term developmental player.
John Skelton could beat the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, giving him three victories in his career. But that would still be just a win over a 1-6 team.
Kevin Kolb needs to play. The team has to ride out the decision it made to go with him. There is evidence that he will turn out to be okay -- even pretty good. The record now is bad, but they had the ball at the end of the game three times with a shot to go get a victory and a fourth time when they had a lead and the ball and could have put it away. The have been right there.
To pull the car over and change drivers now would be premature.
The only reason John Skelton should start is Kolb's health. It is plain and simple. That is just the way it needs to be.