I first saw this reported as it scrolled across ESPN’s Bottom Line except it was in spanish and all I could understand was Bills+Kevin Kolb+2Years+$13 Million. The rest was unreadable for me but I understood it enough to know that the Bills had finally made a move, that to me, made sense. I’ve read about 10-15 articles since I’ve gotten back from vacation and it’s apparent that the voices are split; half believe that this is a good stopgap and the others believe this is the Bills doing what the Bills do: making bad decisions.
When he’s protected, Kolb can chuck it.
Count me in the group that thinks this is about as a good a stopgap as you could have gotten at this point. Why Kolb instead of Fitzpatrick? Because we know what Fitz would give us. We know that he would have shrunk under the pressure, faltered down the stretch and made us vomit every time we remembered how much money he was making. Who cares that we will pay $10 mill over the next two years to him as part of his bonus, he won’t be behind center this year or any year going forward.
So why am I high on Kolb? Simple, potential. Sure the guy hasn’t been able to stay healthy and sure, the Cardinals released him because no on wanted him, but you know what? The guy hasn’t been that bad when he’s been able to stay on the field. He’s played behind two HORRENDOUS offensive lines in Philly and Arizona. Don’t think so, then checkout how many QBs Arizona went through last year or how Vick couldn’t stay healthy in Philly. Kolb hasn’t had the opportunity to be protected recently. The Bills Offensive Line, which is not that bad, along with their very good running game, should give Kolb the time he needs. Furthermore, when he did play last year, 6 games, he went for 8 TDs vs. 3INTs. Granted, I’m looking at the basics but put that over a full season and it’s not that bad. Finally, the guy has a cannon, something Fitz completely lacked. Kolb should have no issue throwing the ball in the winds up in Orchard Park.
Am I assuming he’s the front runner for the starting QB position? ABSOLUTELY! Tavaris Jackson is not starting week 1 unless Kolb is hurt and the QB that they draft in the second round forgets how to throw. Even then I’d be cool with just running the wildcat with Brad Smith throwing it every once in a while!
And look, who knows, the guy we draft in the 2nd round may come in and blow us away like Russell Wilson did in Seattle next year. Honestly that’s what I’m hoping for but if Kevin Kolb is behind the center in week 1, count me in as in favor of that.
Let’s Get It!
