Is John Skelton a Better Fit Than Kevin Kolb for the Arizona Cardinals?

Just two years ago, I was standing in the stands at Jack Coffey Field, watching John Skelton pass up a storm against Columbia University in the annual Liberty Cup. The game, which has been played annually since 9/11 between Columbia and Skelton’s alma mater, Fordham University, is particularly meaningful for the two New York City universities. Together, the two schools lost over 80 alumni in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the Liberty Cup shows that, above all, they stand united.

But enough about me, and onto the present day. Skelton, the massive 6’6" quarterback from El Paso, Texas, who is in his second year in the NFL, got the start this past week with Kevin Kolb injured. The game wasn’t pretty, but Arizona did win 19-13, thanks to an overtime punt return by rookie cornerback Patrick Peterson. This was Arizona’s second win of the season and gives Skelton a 1-0 record on the year as a starter.

Is it possible that Skelton is a better fit in Arizona than Kevin Kolb, their $65 million man? It sounds almost like blasphemy to say.

Honestly, I don’t find this to be the case, but what Sunday’s game did show is that the Arizona Cardinals are not an improved football team just because they brought in a more talented quarterback.

Their offensive line may be the worst in the league; Skelton was sacked for two safeties during Sunday’s win. Their defense, while it does have a young superstar in Patrick Peterson, cannot stop the run or the pass.

Sunday’s game proved to me that whoever takes the snaps for Arizona needs more help. Arizona was quick to sign a quarterback and expected their woes to be washed away, yet football is played with 11 guys on each side, and it’s very hard to cover up massive holes in your lineup.

Skelton is probably not a better player than Kolb, but as it stands, he will win just as many games. Arizona has a long way to improve, so hopefully for Cardinal fans’ sake, they realize this.