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AP: e7075aca-69c3-4039-90bd-f7c290687e68
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb, center, heads to the locker room with a team trainer after being hit by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (98) during the first quarter of the NFL Hall of Fame exhibition football game, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012 in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Scott Galvin)
Affirmation or aberration? That's the question coming off the Hall of Fame Game.

And, yes, Paulie Preseason is posing another QB Question. Specifically, we're referring to the performance of Kevin Kolb. As you might recall, his first pass attempt was intercepted and his last snap resulted in a game-ending injury. Yes, that Kevin Kolb.

Or, as a wise-acre fan tweeted me (@PaulCalvisi…#Ding) before I'd even left the sidelines in Canton: Kevin K(L)OLb. LOL instead of O-L in the middle of Kolb's last name. Funny guy. Everybody is a comedian. Except, there's just one problem here - no one is laughing.

Not when we're trying to figure out whether Kevin Kolb's performance against the Saints was the exception or serves as confirmation? Play or can't play? Deal or No Deal? In other words, would the real Kevin Kolb stand up?

Better yet, would the Kolb haters please sit down. Don't make Paulie Practice go all Allen Iverson and proclaim that we're talking about the first quarter of the first game in a five-game preseason. Don't be the skydiver who pulls that rip cord too early...at your own peril.

Paulie Patience realizes that we're a nation suffering from chronic attention deficit disorder, but does anybody remember the Cards' win against Dallas last season? Does anybody care that Kolb shook off the rust from his four-game absence and, in the second half, got in a rhythm and looked genuinely comfortable both in the pocket and in the offense?

Shouldn't that serve as the best barometer of his skill set to date? In other words, ever since that fourth quarter and overtime against Dallas (7-11 passing, including the game-winning TD pass), what has transpired exactly?

Uh, OTAs. Mini-camps. Less than two weeks of training camp. And one-half of one quarter in the first preseason game. That's what. Hence, until the sample size gets a little larger, our default setting still goes back to the second half of the win against the Cowboys.

And, yes, we can see the eyes rolling. Right about now, the dude with "K(L)OLb" caustically emblazoned ("Caustically? Forget it, he's rolling…") across the back of his #4 jersey is screaming - what has Kolb done for the Big Red lately? Well, if we're existing in 2012, isn't it only fair to cite that John Skelton was mostly operating against the Saints' second-string defense?

Or perhaps we should state this in terms of a vice. Since most of America seemingly gambles on football, perhaps we should go Paulie Poker and offer the following comparison: when you are "pot committed" to the tune of $20 million, you don't just fold your hand. Right? You've invested way too much not to hang around and see another card. Right? #Ding.

In fact, once upon a time, let's not forget that the Cardinals were "pot committed" with Matt Leinart. Anybody remember what happened next? With a three-interception half against the Raiders in the third preseason game, Leinart did what? He showed his hand.

So, with school just starting again in AZ, the lesson learned? Don't make the decision until the QB(s) make the decision for you. Because to fold now, would be akin to "fLOLd."

35 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    tehQuagmire wrote...
    Wow...
    I don't usually agree with you, Paul, but in this case; you're spot on. Nice.
  • Abuse
    mtj8nau wrote...
    Who is this guy?
    Paulie Pigskin. Paulie Patience. Why all the stupid fake last names? Just be a reporter you clown.
  • Abuse
    cardiac card wrote...
    One half of one game?
    Paulie, I cant believe my eyes. Kolb played good in the Caroling game and got WORSE each game after. This guy had a chance for a game winning drive against the Giants, Seahawks, Ravens and Redskins and failed every time. Did you happen to watch the first half of the Cowboy game? Kolb didnt even have 100 yards passing. By your logic Levi Brown is going to be a fantastic Tackle from now on because he had a good half season.
  • Abuse
    cardiac card wrote...
    contd
    Why should we take the 2nd half of the Dallas game as the "best barometer of his skill set to date"? Ill take the previous 6 games to judge him by. Oh and by the way, Skelton had opportunities for game winning drives against the Eagles, Niners, Browns, Seahawks and came through in all of them. If not for a Doucet slip in the endzone you could most likely add that game to the list as well.
  • Abuse
    red7037 wrote...
    Agree with mtj8nau
    This dudes antics get old so quick, when he had that horrendous radio show awhile back I turned the channel every time. Drop the gimmicks bro and act like a bro, otherwise stick the "sawed-off shotgun" of sports in your mouth.
  • Abuse
    Disciple of Jefferson wrote...
    Busch league...
    Kolb is a baby. Someone needs to tell him that football is a CONTACT sport... He is cleared to pay this Friday, so what really happened to him? Did he get a boo boo? Poor baby...
  • Abuse
    CardsFan_ wrote...
    Yeah, a baby
    'cause it would have proven how much of a MAN he is if he'd pushed himself in a meaningless game despite not knowing how serious the injury was. It's much more important that he impress the fans with his toughness!
  • Abuse
    diehardcard wrote...
    What's the difference? Pt 1
    When Leinart had his 3 pick game against Oakland he had just turned 25 and had appeared in 26 games (including preseason), 21 of which he started. Kolb is about to turn 28. Before the Saints game he had 45 games played with 25 starts.
  • Abuse
    diehardcard wrote...
    What's the difference? Pt 2
    Which QB is which? QB A: 340/572 59.4% 4037 yds 20tds 22ints QB B: 350/608 57.6% 3950 yds 15tds 20ints
  • Abuse
    dmg1223 wrote...
    AJ Feeley looked good under Andy Reid...
    The one positive out of the signing of Kolb was that it all but assured locking up Fitz in a long term deal. Remember Fitz wanted to see the Cardinals make something happen at QB to show they were in it to win before making his decision. Boom, they trade for Kolb and one month later lock up Fitz. Unfortunately Kolb is injury prone and now scared to stand in the pocket and get hit. Skelton is the answer for now, let the kid start and maybe we will get lucky.
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