Though he was the first quarterback tossed overboard by the Cardinals this offseason, Kevin Kolb thinks he’s landed in a better place.
Between an offensive philosophy that suits his style, and better protection, he thinks the stage is set for him to play well this year for the Bills.
Kolb told Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News that after sitting down with coach Doug Marrone and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, he’s convinced he can succeed.
“I am really excited,” Kolb said. “I think just when we all sat down for the first time and we discussed what our offensive mindsets were and career-wise what I was looking for, it just all made sense.
“It was a breath of fresh air to hear Doug and Nate and their offensive philosophy. I’m excited and I want to be a part of it.”
He also got some subtle digs in at his previous employer. He said the fast-faced, no-huddle system the Bills want to use is more in line with what he’s best at.
“Without giving away too much,” Kolb said, “the unique style of offense that these guys run and what they bring to the picture as far as their knowledge of the game and their creativity and their ability to be open-minded, it really excited me.
“I think a lot of times in this league you have people who are set in their ways and they follow other people’s leads all the time. I’m very optimistic about what we’re gonna do.”
He’s also optimistic about staying upright. He was sacked 57 times in 493 pass attempts in two years with the Cardinals (missing time because of that lack of protection), while the Bills allowed just 30 sacks of Ryan Fitzpatrick in 535 pass attempts last year.
“That was attractive to me,” Kolb said. “I think they’re very talented up front. When you look at Doug’s history with the offensive line, obviously, it’s a huge point of emphasis for him.
“Then of course with the offense itself, how much it benefits the quarterback in getting the ball out quickly and being decisive. I think it all really points to a positive direction as far as not taking as many hits and being able to be successful with the ball in your hands.”
Of course, his first challenge will be winning the starting job, as he’ll compete with Tarvaris Jackson and a draft pick to be named later.
But if he wins that battle, he thinks he can win.