Such that there was a lot Kevin Kolb could say, he said all the right things Monday.
The Cardinals’ $65 million mistake, who was benched in favor of former fifth-rounder John Skelton, said simply that he had to put his head down and continue to work, and wait for a chance that may be around the next corner.
“It’s disappointing. That’s obvious,” Kolb said, via Paola Boivin of the Arizona Republic. “The one thing I’ve learned in this league, it’s full of surprises. You keep pressing forward. If you take time to sulk or feel sorry for yourself, you get left behind and the opportunity’s going to pass you by.”
Kolb knows first hand that opportunities come at unusual and unplanned times. That’s how he ended up playing enough in Philadelphia to catch the Cardinals’ eye two years ago, and how he ended up giving the job back this summer.
But he opened the door for Skelton by getting hurt, and that is a distinct possibility to reverse itself, given the current state of the Cardinals offensive line.
Skelton’s also walking a fine line, knowing he can’t assume the job is his forever, while sitting at the next desk from the guy he just replaced. It’s awkward. So the best thing to do is keep your head down and work.
Kolb said when coach Ken Whisenhunt broke the news, it was a short conversation.
“He asked me if I had any questions, and I said, ‘No, but I’ll be ready if something comes up,’” Kolb said. “I’m a professional; I’ll be working hard.”
That’s all that’s in his control now, until the inevitable thing comes up that always does.