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AP: c7fa08ba-6e90-465b-ba13-f8f39636ca67
Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) throws against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

There can't be much left to decide, can there?

There was never any doubt for me that the Cardinals game against the Raiders boiled down to a referendum on Kevin Kolb. While there were certainly other issues that required attention (defense, running game), the focus was on Kolb. This was going to be his night to win it or lose it. And he would be given ample opportunity to do either.

In the tradition of a November election, as the early precincts started to report, they did so in favor of Kolb. His first drive led to a touchdown and featured the 27-year-old quarterback completing all three of his passes, including a third down conversion. The fact that he hung in the pocket and took a hit did not go unnoticed.

It offered a sliver of hope that perhaps he could make this a difficult decision.

The sensation was short-lived. An intentional grounding. A safety. Incomplete pass. Another sack. Then another that included an unintentional pass to his offensive lineman.

Kolb's candidacy was crumbling before our eyes. Once John Skelton went 3-for-3 while calmly leading a short touchdown drive, I half expected Brian Williams to break in and declare Skelton the winner.

When the second half started with Ryan Lindley at the helm, it felt over. Nothing left to see.

Asked at halftime to assess the quarterbacks, coach Ken Whisenhunt said "we didn't get a lot of plays with John so it's hard to say." After the game he elaborated that it was more about the offensive line. Whisenhunt didn't want them to play the second half and he didn't want Skelton to play behind the twos. Again, Friday was always going to be more about Kolb.

Spin the white ball. Play the game of blame roulette. I'm not sure if it lands on Kolb or his offensive line. I don't think it matters much.

Perhaps this is an incredibly simplistic way of looking at it, but the offense just moves in a positive direction more often with Skelton than it does with Kolb. What else do you need to see or know?

Unless he implodes Thursday, John Skelton is the projected winner in the QB competition of 2012.
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    SafteyE wrote...
    After watching the game, there's no question...
    August 18, 2012 2:01 am
    the O-line is one step up from horrible and the Cards have tons of work to do on identifying and picking up blitzes. But to me, Kolb still looks scared back there. In the first 2 games, he was constantly backpedalling and he seemed afraid to step up in the pocket. And in this game, although he made a concerted effort to stay in the pocket and step up when pressured, he now seems afraid to get rid of the ball. In my opinion, Whiz needs to end this, and name Skelton the starter now. That way he can take the majority of reps for the rest of preseason and start preparing for Seattle.
  • Abuse
    greatbison wrote...
    The only choice we have
    August 18, 2012 3:35 am
    I won't call Skelton a savior (he's certainly no HOF QB like Warner) but he at least has composure. He took over last season and nearly salvaged it (that late-season Bengals loss kept them from going over 500). Kolb has the talent, but lacks the composure in the pocket. Leinart had the same issue. I would even argue that Plummer (captain interception) had the same problem. If you're a Cardinals QB, you're gonna get hit a lot. Once you accept that, you can play well. Put Skelton in. If last year was any indication, he may actually do well.
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    FitzIsMyHero wrote...
    what more is there to see?
    August 18, 2012 8:17 am
    When I saw Lindley come out I exclaimed "Where's Skelton? He's only gna play 1 drive?". My brother in law (who hates the Cards) said "What more is there to see?" Nuff said. I am a Kolb hater. Ever since he came here, I hated on him. I just knew he sucked.
  • Abuse
    theuglytruth wrote...
    Levi Brown
    August 18, 2012 9:19 am
    now with Levi Brown injured, I can't imagine Kolb's confidence getting any better.
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    Jdanielson wrote...
    It's not even up for debate anymore!
    August 18, 2012 10:12 am
    Give Skelton the starting job. See how he does, but keep looking else where for a legitimate quarterback! http://hittoleftfield.com/2012/08/17/war-of-the-dunces-the-qb-battle-in-arizona/
  • Abuse
    the cooker wrote...
    Sorry
    August 18, 2012 3:08 pm
    Don't think either one of those QB's will be successful this year. Think we will see more of the same from Skelton stinking up the field the first 3 quarters of the game. One short field touchdown drive does make him any better as Kolb did the same during first drive. Just keep an eye on the waiver wire.
  • Abuse
    Bench Rider wrote...
    @cooker
    August 18, 2012 8:11 pm
    The question wasnt that if they could win with skelton the question was if skelton has won the job, and there is no doubt. You dont have to have a great qb to win this divison(alex smith) if skelton can at least manage the game make and some plays he gives you a chance to win and last year was last year, give it up already the kid is still young...
  • Abuse
    globalron wrote...
    Yes, There is still a Decision to Make.......
    August 18, 2012 9:33 pm
    And that is.............. Will Kolb be the back-up or will Lindley? I say Lindley. Kolb was a bust. Let's just face it, and get over it. Develop Lindley, who can hopefully Start either later this Season, or be the Starter next year. That, of course, will not happen, if he is not the backup QB this year. He will need playing time to develop, and would never get that as the 3rd String QB. Develop him, and let's move on..........
    Ron Passmore
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    thorjeremy501 wrote...
    Why not Skelton?
    August 19, 2012 10:59 am
    It seems some people forgot that Skelton was a 5th round pick and was supposed to be a project (Brady was 6th). This is his 1st year with an off-season and he hasn't looked bad. Everyone is rusty and working on their game. The "all-mighty Peyton Manning" threw two picks. Skelton has the composure, the work ethic and all the tangibles to be a great QB. He has improved greatly for what time and practice he has been given. I don't want to see AZ get another washed up QB (Esiason), disastrous draft pick (Leinart&Plummer) or a never will be (Kolb).
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    SpaceRig wrote...
    Losing brown is huge
    August 20, 2012 10:25 am
    Unfortunately the loss of Brown is a huge blow for the entire team and either QB. On Kolb's worse plays (the intentional grounding and subsequent safety) the line failed him badly and I've yet to hear a single analyst mention an open receiver Kolb could have hit. I think we'll need to go with Skelton at this point simply for durability sake; I predict quite a few sacks against our QBs for the time being until the line gets its act together.
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