Kolb's practice demeanor
It happens at least once a practice: Kevin Kolb will drop back to pass, go through his reads and fire a dyslexic incomplete pass. The Eagles quarterback will then smack the side of his thigh or shake his head or slap his hands together or mutter something out loud that clearly demonstrates his unhappiness.
Kolb's practice demeanor
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
It happens at least once a practice: Kevin Kolb will drop back to pass, go through his reads and fire a dyslexic incomplete pass. The Eagles quarterback will then smack the side of his thigh or shake his head or slap his hands together or mutter something out loud that clearly demonstrates his unhappiness.
It hasn't been a common occurrance during team workouts at the NovaCare Complex, although Kolb hasn't had much help from the assortment of rookie and just-trying-to-make-the-team wide receivers he's had to pass to this week. But Kolb's practice demeanor as the starter has been notable for a few reasons.
For one, it stands polar to the way Donovan McNabb conducted himself on the Eagles practice field for over a decade. McNabb was loosey goosey. He smiled a lot. Liked to joke around with his teammates. If he was errant on a pass he would react and motion and yell, but he did it all with a laugh and a grin. Kolb just grits his teeth and stares.
Much could made of this, especially considering how McNabb was often criticized for his mannerisms. The point here isn't to say that one way is better than the other. It's just an observation. McNabb and Kolb have, in many ways, completely different personalities -- both on the field and off.
Interestingly enough, Kolb has already faced some nit-picking about his displays. From his own coach. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg often teaches his quarterbacks to keep their emotions in check and their body language impassive. Kolb, though, isn't apologizing for his ways. (Sound like anyone else?)
“I’ve been that way since the day I was born,” Kolb said earlier this week. “Marty tries to pull me back on that sometimes. But sometimes I think it’s good. He gets me to not show it, but sometimes I think guys in certain times need to see their quarterback get angry and go look, ‘Let’s flip the switch here and get going.’”
Earlier this month at minicamp, coach Andy Reid didn't seem too concerned about Kolb's effusive practice behavior.
"He forgets the last play but he's going to beat himself up over [mistakes]," Reid said. "That's okay, that'll make him good. He's got drive. He is put in a position with great expectations. As long as your expectations are greater than those around you, that's a good thing. He puts pressure on himself and there's nothing wrong with that. You need to be able to do that at that position."
I can see the comments now: "Kolb's a leader! He'll get in the players' faces on the sidelines! All McNabb used to do was sit on the bench with a towel over his head!"
Of course, this theory could gain traction when the team president says something that could be taken as a slight against a certain former Eagles quarterback. On occasion, Joe Banner is interviewed by the team's Web site for a video feature called "From the President's Desk." In the latest offering, the subject of leadership was broached in light of the fact that the Eagles have lost some valuable pieces in that regard over the last two years.
Banner's response: "I think we're at a stronger position, as far as leadership, as we've been. And we've had great leadership here."
Brian Dawkins. Brian Westbrook. Uh, McNabb?
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The Eagles added Daniel Jeremiah to their college scouting department. A former scout for the Browns and Ravens, Jeremiah most recently wrote the blog, "Move The Sticks."
oh oh...can you say Vick is starting in week 5— phillyfanyo- DooDooFresh, McNabb doesn't play here anymore. Think you'll ever get over it and drop the air guitar thing or is that all you've got? Lets get behind what's going on with the 2010 Eagles and let the past go because you can't change it.— duke56
- Two different guys, two different personalities, WHO CARES. Just win baby.— craig123
- Come on September! I cannot wait to see what happens just so I can stop the insanity I put myself through by even reading these posts.— Clt Philly Fan
Comment removed.- I've done my share of leadership and been trained as well. On the list of attributes of great leaders: #1 Be yourself -- you can't completely adopt another leader's style (so being serious or happy can both work); #2 Results, results, results -- if you execute #2 then #1 works as well. People thought they were annoyed by Donovan because of #1, but they were really annoyed by #2. If he had won a SB no one would care much about his demeanor. If Kolb doesn't win, no one will care much that he gets upset about it.— RocketC
- Kolb will be a bust. No more McNabb to scapegoat for the Eagles' failure. Get ready for a 4-11 season.— josh moneyman
- Just watch demeanor of Payton Manning and Tom Brady. The best QBs are all busienss and don't hesitate to get on a receiver for running a wrong route, etc. And they don't laugh after overthrows or dirt balls. The best guys demand a lot from themselves and the guys around them. If Kolb can execute his end, he has a chance to be the ind of leader on the offense this young team needs.— Z-Force
- the l0:36 post by DooDoo is the best of this article!— jwatson
- The fact is that any type of "in your face" behavior only works when you're winning. If Kolb is out there winning, then no one will have a problem with it. If he's not, players will look at it as if he's embarassing or disrespecting them. In a lot of ways it was the same with Donovan- his silly, lets have some fun appraoch worked because for the most part they were winning. It really comes down to how you think leaders should lead. Should they adapt to the larger framework of their team and be the type of leader the team needs? or should they just be who they are and expect the other guys to follow?— phills5219
- I cant wait for Kolb to win the first 6 straight games,— ian23h
- O he cares how much he throws a tantrum when things dont go his way. If you ask me, that would annoy the fuggin schit outta me just as much bozo smiling after a 3 and out. Anyway, Andy is full of it, Mike Vick will be your Eagles starting Qb.— BooDuhBud
- much a do about nothing,let's wait for the season to start..Brett Favre would joke around with his teammates at the end of games he was Winning,,not during games they are losing ie cowboys games (ex eagles QB),nothing to joke about when your team is losing and the QB is bouncing passes to receivers,,KK is all business on the field and off very intense and focused.....therealtruth your living in a fantasy world-good luck rooting for the Deadskins..wolf.— wolf 4
- PHILLIES 2008, 2009, ??? Say the flyers win it this year... how do the EAGLES react being surrounded by champions?— PHAN2
- "The point here isn't to say that one way is better than the other." Of course it isn't, that would require taking a stand, having some natural testosterone ... wouldn't expect to find that in these alleged journalistic, sports wimpfests .... but so quick to jump on others words, like Joe Banners, when they suit you ... I wish Kolb the best, but pray they have a significant Plan B, and hope it isn't wait for Kafka— AsValidAsYours
