When the Buffalo Bills drafted quarterback EJ Manuel, the expectation was that he would start in Week 1. Organized team activites and minicamp season slowly changed that perception. Now many believe that Kevin Kolb at least is on equal footing, even if Manuel clearly is the long-term answer.
"I don't buy what's being sold I guess," Kolb told the Bills' official website regarding his perceived spot as a placeholder. "I just listen to what (the coaches) tell me to do and roll on with it. I have a lot of confidence in my abilities and this offense and hopefully what I can do in it."
Kolb and Manuel both are starting from scratch learning new coach Doug Marrone's system, but Kolb should have an advantage as a veteran. He needs it. I made the point in our podcast preview of AFC East and North training camps that Kolb needs to win the quarterback battle by a wide margin in order to be a Week 1 starter. Anything close to a tie goes to the rookie.
(Yes, this post was a flimsy excuse to pimp the podcast. It's July.)
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
