ESPN NFL analyst: Cardinals should open up QB competiton
Dec 29, 2011, 11:57 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2011, 12:49 am
Could another quarterback controversy be brewing in
Arizona?
According to ESPN NFL analyst Ron Jaworski, a guest on
Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo, the Cardinals should
open up competition between Kevin Kolb and John Skelton
this
offseason.
“I really believe that this quarterback job at Arizona is
going to be open,” Jaworksi said. “I think John Skelton
has shown enough where they’ve got to take a good, hard
look at him and say maybe we have two really good
quarterbacks here, let’s open this competition.”
Jaworski acknowledged that while it is awfully tough to
assess Kevin Kolb’s injury-plagued season with the
Cardinals, he was surprised by the quarterback’s low
completion percentage.
“Kevin is normally a very accurate passer,” Jaworksi
stated. “I thought he’d be around 65% in this Cardinals
offensive structure, not where he’s at 56-57%. So he
hasn’t played up to his talents. He really hasn’t.”
While the young Skelton has had his own struggles gaining
momentum early in games, Jaworksi believes he has to look
no further than Drew Brees for inspiration.
“I actually like the New Orleans Saints approach and how
Drew Brees likes to start his games,” Jaworksi said.
“Their first 15 plays are scripted and for the most part
those scripted plays are high-percentage passes. I think a
young quarterback, you’ve got to give him the first down
passes and high percentage throws.”
Jaworksi didn’t give the edge to either Kolb or Skelton.
He feels a good natured battle for the starting job could
push both players to the next level — which would only
bolster the Cardinals’ chances for a winning season next
year.
“I really believe that competition brings out the best in
players,” Jaworksi added.
Let the games begin.
