Preseason Power Rankings No. 25: Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals’ 2011 season was considered a disappointment in large part because quarterback Kevin Kolb didn’t pan out. Just after last year’s lockout ended, Arizona sent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Kolb. The Cards also signed Kolb to a six-year, $65 million contract.

Kolb battled injuries, and was ineffective when he did take the field. John Skelton took over and led Arizona to a 5-2 record in seven starts. The Cardinals quietly finished the season with seven wins in their final nine games.

So while a quarterback quandary remains following a failed offseason run at Peyton Manning, the fast finish provides reason for optimism in the desert this year.

READ MORE: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/12/preseason-power-rankings-no-25-arizona-cardinals/