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Arizona Cardinals Offense Wins In First Full Practice: What A Difference A Year Makes

FLAGSTAFF, AZ - AUGUST 04:  Quarterback Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the ball during the team training camp at Northern Arizona University on August 4, 2011 in Flagstaff, Arizona.  (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
FLAGSTAFF, AZ - AUGUST 04: Quarterback Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the ball during the team training camp at Northern Arizona University on August 4, 2011 in Flagstaff, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Last year in training camp, the story of the offense was how the defense looked strong and how Matt Leinart struggled to make plays down the field, consistently looking for the check down. Derek Anderson wasn't much better, but initially there was excitement about the Cardinals defensive front. 

As we learned, it was fools' gold and that it was truly an inept offense. This year, the offense has gotten off with the right foot, as in the goalline drills during the team's first full practice including all their new acquisitions, they hammered the defense.

With Kevin Kolb leading the way, the offense scored three of four chances. The only failed chance was the result of a fumbled handoff, not because of what the defense did.

Obviously, the defense is learning some new schemes, but the main thing is that the offense looks better. It shows how different the quarterback situation is with Kolb instead of the other options from a year ago. He leads the team. 

Larry Fitzgerald, who was rumored to have favored Kolb out of all the quarterbacks available, already gave Kolb his vote of confidence, saying,  "We're all going to follow his lead."

So far it has been nothing less than a Kolb lovefest, and that is perfectly okay. If his teammates are behind him this early, that will only lead to good things during the season.

As for the defense, you can expect to see a better effort next time around. At least we should hope so.