Where Does Kevin Kolb Fit In?

When the Phiadelphia Eagles drafted University of Houston quarterback Kevin Kolb with the 36th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, everyone expected he would be the eventual replacement to Donovan McNabb. While he still might be that guy, Kolb has done little to prove to the coaches and fans that he is capable of leading this team to a Super Bowl. Instead, he has watched as McNabb regained his star potential en route to a NFC Championship game berth in 2008.

McNabb has two more years on his contract, and has already expressed a desire to work on an extension to remain an Eagle. He has battled through many ups and downs in his career, but finished strong in ‘08 and is primed for an even bigger ‘09. His mid season struggles in 2008 included his first ever benching during the second half of a 36-7 loss at Baltimore.

Eagles fans around the world were stunned as head coach Andy Reid trotted out backup quarterback Kevin Kolb in the second half of a close game. Surely, if Kolb could lead his team to victory he would take control of the starting quarterback job. Unfortunately for him he was downright miserable, completing just 10 of 23 passes with two interceptions. Mass speculation ensued as to who would be the quarterback the following week against the Cardinals. McNabb got the call, performed brilliantly, and ended any controversy.

Going into 2009, McNabb is poised to lead an offense with unlimited potential to the promised land. Kolb will be holding a clipboard on the sideline. So what exactly is his future with this franchise? Here is what he had to say recently about his backup role:

“I don’t know if ‘frustrating’ is the word, but I’m getting a little bit antsy,” Kolb said. “I think the reason is, you can only train so hard in the book. That’s why these minicamps are so important for me because when I get on the field I can learn by trial-and-error rather than learning by film or watching Donovan or whatever. I need that next step. When it comes, I don’t know, but I’ll be ready.”

And what if McNabb gets an extension to remain an Eagle?

“That’ll be frustrating,” Kolb said. “But, shoot, what are my options? I’ll just come out here and execute and show them I can be the guy they want me to be. I’m trying not to get impatient because I know that a quarterback can have a long career, But I also understand that I’m young, I’m energetic, I want to be out there right now. Regardless of other teams, I want it to work here. I want to be a successful quarterback here and lead this team to a Super Bowl.”

Sure is a tough spot for the third-year player. While it is possible that McNabb goes down with an injury or fails to perform up to his potential, it is looking like the earliest Kolb would see the field as a starter is 2011. If McNabb signs an extension, we might not see Kolb until 2013, if at all. With the extension, the Eagles coaching staff will make it clear that an aging McNabb is still better than the young, energetic Kolb.

For now, Kolb will get plenty of time to grasp this offense and work the plethora of weapons now available to the signal callers. There is a strong core of offensive lineman and skill position players that make the quarterbacks’ job that much easier. Kolb is itching at another chance to prove that he can be the guy that wins a Super Bowl for the city of Philadelphia, but when (if ever) will he get that chance?

Tags: Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles