Arizona Cardinals 2011 Predictions: Do Kolb, Heap Re-Ignite Arizona Offense?

Last season, the Arizona Cardinals offense was borderline nonexistent. After finishing 14th in total offense in 2009, quarterback Kurt Warner's final season, the team offense was ranked 31st in 2010. 

The losses of Warner and wide receiver Anquan Boldin were felt hard, and quarterback controversy was rampant as head coach Ken Whisenhunt had started three men at the position by season's end.

The Cardinals went 5-11 and finished last in the NFC West. This season, as much as I hate to say it, things aren't going to get any easier.

First, popular wide receiver Steve Breaston departed via free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs.  He was never a deep threat nor a touchdown machine, but he was a fan favorite and an effective possession receiver.

On top of that, Arizona's quarterback issues aren't exactly solved yet. They recently traded for Kevin Kolb, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. While most experts believe Kolb has what it takes to be an effective starting quarterback in the NFL, he still has not been impressive in his seven career starts.

To this date, Kolb has gone 3-4 with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in four seasons. He has also fumbled the ball seven times, five of which came last season.

Still, that isn't to say that Kolb won't be effective on a new team. Let's not forget that this season, he'll be throwing to one of the best receivers in the NFL in Larry Fitzgerald. Also featured in Arizona's passing game will be newly-signed tight end Todd Heap. 

Given the uncertainty at wide receiver following Fitzgerald, Heap simply has to be the No. 2 target.

That all being said, it is simply too early to tell whether or not Kolb and Heap will bring an electrifying offense back to Arizona. The tools are there, but Kolb has some big shoes to fill at quarterback. 

Kurt Warner was in a league of his own as a player and no matter how successful Kolb may be in the future, the only way he can surpass Warner in the eyes of the fans is if he wins a Super Bowl.

If he can utilize his receiving targets effectively, that elusive goal may arrive in Arizona sooner than anticipated.