The diehard Eagles fans that surrounded the practice fields of Lehigh University on Tuesday got to see the most action out of Kevin Kolb since August 30, 2007. That was when Kolb went 22 for 33 and threw a touchdown against the Jets in the Eagles' last preseason game.
As a rookie though, the University of Houston product was behind two proven quarterbacks on the depth chart and carried a clipboard the whole regular season.
A lot has changed in one year, both in terms of the depth chart and Kolb's mindset coming into training camp.
"Just feeling calm, feeling comfortable and confident in yourself," Kolb said. "When you come out here and you know the guys in the huddle, you try to keep that confidence the whole time and just try to improve."
Kolb's rise up the depth chart gets him that much closer to his ultimate goal - to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Head coach Andy Reid made the decision to promote Kolb to second string during the first post-draft minicamp. Reid has clearly been pleased with the progression of his second-round pick from a year ago.
"He's been working with the second team," Reid said. "He did that throughout the minicamps and he'll continue to do that here. With that, he'll get a few more reps and we'll see how he does, see if he continues to progress and I anticipate that he does."
Kolb looked sharp in practice, opting to connect with receivers on routes between five and 25 yards, opting against going down the field. His high-percentage passing style will be on display for most of the preseason and for three more weeks in Bethlehem.
The first few days might have been smooth sailing for the 23-year-old, but he thinks the challenge is maintaining the same level of focus and production.
"It's like a golf game. You score well the first time you go out. Then your second and third time is where you let down," said Kolb. "I think the biggest key is coming out tomorrow and the next day and making sure we are ready for whenever the vets come in.
The veterans arrive Thursday and the first-full team workout is Friday (closed to the public). Hopefully by that time, Kolb is not asking for a mulligan.
