Kevin Kolb or John Skelton, Who Is the Right Man for the Job?

Earlier today, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweeted that Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton is the favorite to win the starting job. 

Despite Schefter's report, Jason LaCanfora of CBSsports.com later tweeted that Kevin Kolb will be given every opportunity to become the Cards' starter. 

Based on those two reports, who is the real front-runner in the quarterback race?

Only time will tell as to who will be named the starter, but for now let's see who gives the Cardinals the best chance to win.

Kevin Kolb: Three Burning Questions

What originally made Kolb so desirable? During his tenure in Philadelphia, he showed great pocket presence and arm accuracy. Knowing when to release the ball is a huge part of a quarterback's efficiency. Offensive systems in today's NFL are based on timing and location, something Kolb was familiar with as a member of the Eagles.

The term "system quarterback" really does have substantial meaning.

What has been the biggest factor in his poor play? The decision-making aspect of Kolb's game has absolutely fallen off a cliff. This could be the result of poor offensive line play, poor receiver play or a combination of the two. Without a doubt, he played behind a better offensive line and had better receivers in Philadelphia.

Larry Fitzgerald hasn't had a decent counterpart since Anquan Boldin left.

Why will he be given every opportunity to succeed? The money. Money talks and general managers don't like to admit defeat, especially if defeat sounds like $65 million. When a player has already been paid a substantial amount of money, he will be given chance after chance to prosper before they pull the plug on him. 

A 2-6 record as a starter won't help secure many starting quarterback positions.

John Skelton: Three Burning Questions

What skill set does Skelton offer over Kolb? Skelton has a much larger frame, a better arm, is less injury prone and he does a better job of targeting Larry Fitzgerald. I echoed these same words in a previous article, but it's true, the key to scoring is getting Fitzgerald the ball. Skelton also does a really nice job of eluding pressure.

A skill that comes in handy when both Levi Brown and Jeremy Bridges are having off days.

Is he the answer as the long-term starter? I would have to say no to this one. Skelton is a good backup who can win you a few games in a pinch, but to count on his inconsistent play over the span of 16 games is too risky. The NFL is full of too many good quarterbacks to settle on him as your club's future. 

If Kolb doesn't win the job, I wouldn't be surprised if the Cardinals brought in a stopgap veteran.

What is most lacking in his game? Accuracy. Skelton has such a live arm, but the touch is just not there. That is one of the few areas where Kolb's game is head and shoulders above his. Last year, Skelton had so many overthrows and bad passes it was sickening. According to Pro Football Focus, the only player who had a worse year passing the ball was Blaine Gabbert.

No real surprise there, but that's not the type of company one wants to be in.

As the preseason rolls into Week 3 for Arizona, I have a feeling things are about to get pretty interesting in the desert. 

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