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Plenty of Similarities Between QBs Kolb, [link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Posted: 8:50 p.m.
It's easy and convenient to call Kevin Kolb the next [link widoczny dla zalogowanych]. It's not necessarily totally accurate.
Sure they traveled congruous paths to their current jobs as starting quarterback for the Eagles and Packers respectively, both were surprisingly high draft choices on teams that had legendary figures entrenched in the position, and each waited patiently and quietly for their time amidst a cavalcade of rumors and speculation.
But are their skill sets really comparable or is it just their journey?
[link widoczny dla zalogowanych] is now a star for the Green Bay Packers. Kolb hopes to be one for the Eagles beginning Sunday, when he tries to beat the quarterback he called for advice just several months back and exchanged text messages with earlier this week.
The Eagles' new starting quarterback is doing everything possible to emulate the quarterback he so clearly resembles and respects.
“[I'm impressed with] just how steady he is," Kolb said. "Nobody ever questioned his confidence. They’ve always known he had the ability, but the way he has just shown solid confidence through the whole thing, not only is that solid for the fans and the media and everybody looking from the outside, but it’s important for his own teammates. They never want to see their quarterback waver. So that’s something that I can pull from and obviously use.”
That's exactly why Kolb reached out to [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] this offseason. He wanted some of the knowledge gained through similar experiences to rub off on him.
And not just from [link widoczny dla zalogowanych]. Kolb also contacted Donovan McNabb, Jeff Garcia, Kurt Warner and Drew Brees in his quest to best prepare himself for the rigors that inevitably would follow him being handed the Eagles' full-time starting quarterback position.
It doesn't matter, though. Kolb's forever going to be compared to [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] the same way he's always going to be compared to McNabb, if only because of the pre-starting path they traveled. It should only serve as a compliment if Kolb's skills prove somewhat comparable to [link widoczny dla zalogowanych]' freakish ability.
[link widoczny dla zalogowanych] has seen a sneak-peak of that ability from Kolb.
"I've been a big fan of his because of the way he's handled himself," [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] said. "He's done a nice job. It's never an easy situation but I think he's a very talented guy, big strong arm, athletic and I'm excited for his opportunity. I know the kind of feelings he's got to be feeling this week.
"Although he's started two games, this is his first chance as the guy."
It's not a mistake that [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], 26, is the guy in Green Bay. He has thrown for 58 touchdowns to 20 interceptions in the two seasons since he inherited Brett Favre's throne.
[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], who was a first-round pick in 2005, has a howitzer attached to his right shoulder, good speed (ran a 4.71 40-yard dash time at the 2005 NFL Draft Combine) and reportedly scored off the chart on the famed Wonderlic test. He's put all these qualities on display during his two head-turning years at the helm.
Kolb has a solid arm, decent speed (ran a 4.85 40-yard dash time at the '07 NFL Draft Combine) and reportedly posted a strong but not spectacular score on the Wonderlic test. Regardless, in his cameo last season, Kolb became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 300-plus yards in his first two NFL starts.
While Kolb may not be [link widoczny dla zalogowanych]' exact replica, he could be a solid if not spectacular scaled-down version. The Eagles, coach Andy Reid and Packers coach Mike McCarthy all see similarities in the two quarterbacks' games.
"They are both accomplished passers as far as being productive in their college careers," McCarthy said. "They both had opportunities to sit behind two outstanding quarterbacks … and as far as their skill sets, Kevin looks to be making all the throws and throws with good anticipation. So I would definitely say there are similarities."
Eagles cornerback Ellis Hobbs had the opportunity to study [link widoczny dla zalogowanych] on tape this past week and lines up across from Kolb every day in practice. He sees common tendencies in both quarterbacks as well.
"They both have quick releases. They're both pocket passers, pretty mobile when they need to be and they're definitely looking to pass the ball," Hobbs said.
Reid's view is much the same. But he even takes it one step further.
The Eagles' coach sees remarkably similar leadership ability in both players. It was a key factor in turning the franchise over to the 26-year-old Kolb even after McNabb made the Pro Bowl and led the Eagles to an 11-5 regular season record last season.
“Well, I mean,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], I looked at it [this offseason]. I looked at the situation in Green Bay," Reid said. "I hear [[link widoczny dla zalogowanych] has] done a phenomenal job taking over for an obvious legend. I think Kevin – there’s a similarity there."
Now the Eagles only hope the similarities don't end there and stretch onto the field and into the regular season. And there's no reason to be greedy. They'd probably even settle for a mini-Aaron [link widoczny dla zalogowanych].