Kolb's practice demeanor
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
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."
priceless post doodoo. terrible name, great words of wisdom.— loudnproud- I've always been bothered by this "leadership" and "demeanor" discussion. Brett Favre jokes around, but he's considered "whimsical". McNabb jokes around, and he's characterized as a "clown." That's a blatant double standard. As for Kolb, I'm just glad he's being himself. If his leadership style works, I don't have a problem with it. Unfortunately, Philly folks are so myopic that they can't understand that leaders come in all shapes and sizes.— JayDuce
Comment removed.- We have a pouting Peyton with less talent on our hands. If this guy wears his emotions on his sleave like this now whats going to happen when the real bullets begin to fly and their losing games early. Many complained about #5's way of leading but it kept his team mates loose in tight situations which = wins. KK may have his way doing things but showing your opponent or even your teammates too much negative emotions = bad news and a lot of bad tention in the locker room. I remember Pouting Peyton sitting at the end of the bench alienating himself from his team when things did'nt go right, not kool. All the more reason to believe #7 will be starting before the bye.— realtruth
- Iggle fans have a really bad reputation for throwing snowballs at Santa Claus. This guy has not thrown one ball as starter and someone is harping the guy may be intense...the last guy didn't know the word intense. Give the young guy a break, see what he brings home. This year it will surely not be an NFC East Pennant. Get use to it for a year or so then if you are patient enough he should do the job. One real shame is Banner was not shown the door, too. He is screwing with all the players and he doesn't give a rat's behind as long as Lurie continues to fork it over to him. This guy is no great football mind, he is a cheap penny pincher that Ebenezer Scrooge would be proud of. Someday the Ghost of Season's Past will catch up to the sawed off curmudgeon.— drpfs
- I generally agree with Redggie, we need to give Kolb a season to be come his own person and the comparisons to McNabb, positive or negative, are not helpful. If you are an Eagles fan, hopefully, you will let this play out without all the wanton emotions. On another note, we need another nickname than KK. I start it now, I hope, Corn. Just imagine, the land of the Cheesesteak yelling Corn. Work with me people.— WiffleBall
- Sounds like there will be interesting player interaction will happen if this team starts to loose after the 11-5 season. Kolb is a back up QB at this point, a back up who could not beat AJ Feeley :-) DJax, get your mouth ready :-)— Seed
- You know JayDuce you have a point about KK, but only IF it works. And you made a great point about the double standard (I've said that myself) but that will fly right over the heads of most here.— realtruth
- You know....we always have Vic..Kolb has been around for a while..and he needs to fast track...if not put in Vic— joebill
- the only way Vick gets in is if Kolb gets injured, stop talking about it fools— WiffleBall
- Personally I give Kolb no slack because #5 got none and he's been given the advantages McNabb didn't have. (1) 3yrs to sit watch and learn the O vs. 1/2 a seasons. (2)Kolbs been dropped into a situation where he has all the tools laid in his lap vs. the boat load of flunkies #5 had to deal with (minus Chad Lewis, BWest and TO) for 11yrs. The only negative for both is AR and his video game BYU style of playcalling.— realtruth
- Comment removed.
- When someone proves that the emotion bone is connected to the passer rating bone then this piece will be relevant. Until then let me see Kolb-on-the-Cobb in a live game. Don't get me wrong, McNabb was corny (no pun intended) as heck with his big Scooby Doo Hoagie head always cheesing.— WantToKnow
- The intensity and arm waving is good only for the fans. I know many people hate McNabb for his demeanor during games, but there is a reason Marty is telling Kolb not to show his emotions...and it isn't because showing them is what’s best for the team. I'm not trying to knock Kolb here, as a young QB he has to try a few ways before he finds his niche in every aspect of the game, but for all those who automatically take this comparison as a knock on McNabb lets remember everything is perceived as good until the losing begins. I don’t remember this being a huge knock on McNabb until we had repeat losses in the NFC Championship games. And remember how much people nationally and in NY killed Eli for his demeanor and leadership until they won the SB. Now he is praised for those same abilities which haven't changed. All this stuff about Kolb sounds good now, but let’s see how much his teammates and fans like it once we lose a few games.— datbo215
- Realtruth, I agree 1000%. There are so many people here who say they will be fine with taking a step back this season as that is what it takes for a young QB to improve. Although the statement is true, where was that sentiment and logic when McNabb was here?? Remember in 2003 just three years into his role as the full time starter and after 3 winning seasons, and two NFC Championship appearances (with below average talent around him), when we started 0-2 and people booed McNabb off the field against the Pats?? Where was that sentiment and logic then? Kolb has been awarded all of the luxuries everyone pleaded and wished the Eagles would supply McNabb with. McNabb was able to lead the Eagles to an 11-5 record in first full season as a starter (leading the team in Passing and rushing yards that season), and the divisional round of the playoffs without those luxuries. Let’s see what Kolb can do, and let’s not curve his grade.— datbo215
