John Skelton Handles Criticism -And Praise- With True Professionalism

After a while, you would think that getting asked the same questions regarding your job would get pretty annoying. Those inquiries would be especially redundant if multiple reporters and journalists are asking you about the same thing multiple times per day.

Such is the case with John Skelton, who is currently in a competition to become the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. In many people's views (including my own) Skelton holds the lead in his race with Kevin Kolb. At this point, I can't see how you don't name him the starter come week one.

Still, Skelton isn't letting it get to his head, regardless of whether he knows he has won or not. With the media, his teammates and the fans, he continues to stay classy.

Skelton was on the airwaves yet again yesterday, this time with Bickley and MJ on XTRA Sports 910 here in Phoenix. He was asked about the quarterback competition, his respect for his opponent (Kolb) and how he continues to better himself to hopefully be 'the guy' for Arizona.

When asked if he thinks he has a lead on Kolb, Skelton sort of sidestepped the question, but for good reason.

"Those are people's opinions. I'm just trying to get better day in and day out. I think you can see from the first game to the second to the third that I've progressively gotten better, so that's really just been my goal."

Getting better is what he has to do, for if he truly does have the lead, that is only because of how poorly Kolb has done. The thing is, neither of these quarterbacks have been particularly effective this preseason. Kolb has just been worse than Skelton, so that is why it looks like the Fordham alum has the lead.

But just like everyone else, Skelton is looking forward to a resolution. He hopes the starter gets named soon:

"I think the sooner you can kind of put the competition behind and kind of move forward as the starter the better. But at the same time, whether I get named the starter or not I'm still going to compete."

Again, classy and non-provocative answer from Skelton. He's not looking to be melodramatic or get involved with the politics of his job. He just wants to better himself and, with any luck, be the signal caller for the Cardinals. That is why Ken Whisenhunt trusts him enough to have placed him in this competition in the first place.

And that is why, come week one against the Seahawks, John Skelton will be under center.

Thanks to Sports Radio Interviews for transcribing this interview

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