2011
Game 1 (Panthers): Back and forth, Cards prevail 28-21. Kolb looks great, but the media is in love with Cam Newton
Game 2 (Redskins): Cards lead 14-10 in the 3rd. After a field goal makes it 14-13, Cards extend the lead to 21-13 in the 4th with the clock winding down. Defense caves and Cards lose 22-21.
Game 3 (Seahawks): Cards lead 10-6 at the half, but anemic 2nd half results in 13-10 loss.
Game 4 (Giants): Cards lead 27-17 late in the game. Defense caves and Cards lose 31-27.
Game 5 (Vikings): Pitiful game. Line doesn't block, defense doesn't tackle. Kolb fumbles three times. 34-10 loss.
Game 6 (Steelers): Horrible blocking again (results in safety), lowsy defense, off kilter offense. 32-20 loss.
Game 7 (Ravens): Cards shine early to take 24-3 lead only to see it evaporate by the third quarter at 24-20. In the 4th, Ravens and Cards score to tie at 27. Ravens win 30-27.
Kolb goes 1-6 in these games, but three of those games are against quality opponents.
Game 8 (Rams): Under Skelton, Cards are anemic through most of the game. Thankfully, the Rams suck and we're able to tie late and win in overtime on a Peterson punt return. Cards win 19-13.
Game 9 (Eagles): Nice game. The defense kept Philly under control, but still, the Cards never led until the final score. Skelton's performance was important. Cards win 21-17.
Game 10 (49ers): Cards are pathetic. Only score comes on a Richard Bartel pass. Skelton throws three interceptions. 49ers win 23-7.
Game 11 (Rams): Should have been easier, but Skelton threw 2 picks allowing Rams to tie at 20 midway through the 4th. A field goal wins it for the Cards 23-20.
In these 4 games, we beat the worst team in the NFC twice (barely, each time), won a well played game and lost a pathetic one.
Game 12 (Cowboys): Kolb is back. He plays solidly, but the game is low scoring affair with the Cards winning in overtime on a short pass with a great run by Stephens-Howling. Cards win 19-13.
Game 13 (49ers): Kolb is injured early, Skelton is responsible for 3 turnovers (2 Int, 1 Fum). After trailing 19-7 in the 3rd, Cards come back to win 21-19.
Game 14 (Browns): Again, the Cards are anemic against a pitiful team. Thankfully, the Browns are pitiful and squander a 10 point 4th quarter lead to allow the Cards to win the game in overtime 20-17.
Game 15 (Bengals): A good team beats the cards with the help of 3 interceptions by Skelton 23-16.
Game 16 (Seahawks): Solid game. Cards never trailed, but still had to take the game to overtime to win.
The stats say it. Kolb's stats were better than Skelton's. Skelton benefitted from an improved defense later in the season.
I still say: if Skelton is the starter, we're looking at a .500 season. If Kolb is the starter, I expect playoffs.
