Through the first 12 games of the 2011 season, we’ve seen the good, bad and ugly from Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb.
The fourth-year veteran, who came over in a late-summer deal from Philadelphia, has battled turf toe, poor offensive line play and lack of a consistent threat opposite Pro-Bowler Larry Fitzgerald but has earned the respect of the coaching staff and his teammates as the Red Birds look to build on their modest two-game win streak.
Kolb, who signed a five-year, $64 million deal with Arizona after the trade, played arguably his best game in Sunday’s overtime win over Dallas completing 16-25 for 247 yards and the game-winning touchdown to LaRod Stephens-Howling. He finished with a passer rating of 109.9.
As the old adage says, “Good things come to those who wait.”
“There no question he can (throw) it,” three-time Super Bowl champion and current ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth told “Big Guy on Sports” Thursday. “Like most young players, it’s takes a while to get feel your groove. It takes a while to understand how this league operates.”
Kolb and the Cards (5-7) will look to build on their recent success when the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers (10-2) visit the University of Phoenix Stadium this weekend.
Schlereth feels one key to Kolb’s continued growth is playing within himself.
“There’s no question in my mind Kevin Kolb’s a smart guy and he can throw it,” he explained. “He’s athletic enough to extend plays. It’s just a matter of learning your limitations and leaning on (his) strengths and absorbing the game.”
Kolb has completed just over 57% of his throws with nine touchdowns in eight games. He’s been intercepted eight times.
Kickoff against the Niners is 2:05 Sunday.
