2012 Two-a-Days: Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Kevin Kolb
RB - Beanie Wells
RB - Ryan Williams
WR - Larry Fitzgerald
WR - Michael Floyd (rookie)

Defense
DE - Calais Campbell
DE - Darnell Dockett
OLB - Daryl Washington
CB - Patrick Peterson
S - Adrian Wilson

John Skelton QB

Breakout: Ryan Williams - Beanie Wells has only been effective in small bursts since being drafted out of Ohio State. The starting tailback job is his to lose, but considered his checkered past on the injury front, the second year back Williams may be the beneficiary. The Virginia Tech speedster is fully recovered from last year's severe knee injury and could be ready to shine in the desert.

Training Camp Question: The Cardinals gave up a second round pick and a solid corner back to acquire Kevin Kolb last season and all he did was disappoint. John Skelton went 5-2 in his starts and now even though they are giving the Kolb every chance to earn his big paycheck, training camp will be more about performances and not the pay scale. A smart game manager under center could entirely change the outlook on the Cardinals season in a rapidly improving division.

Last year's record: 8-8  

Projected finish: 4-12 (4th in NFC West)

Offense
QB - Matt Ryan
RB - Michael Turner
WR - Roddy White
WR - Julio Jones
TE - Tony Gonzalez

Defense
DE - Jonathan Abraham (acquired in free agency)
DE - Ray Edwards
CB - Asante Samuel (acquired by trade)
CB - Dunta Robinson

CB - Brent Grimes

Julio Jones WR

Breakout: Julio Jones - Roddy White has been the symbol of consistency for nearly a decade now, and while he should still have an above average season, the second year in the Julio Jones era may prove to be the changing of the guard. Look for Jones to improve on all of his rookie numbers and become Ryan's new go-to-guy.

Training Camp Question: It's hard to tell if the Falcons' secondary will lead the league in turnovers or allow the big play time and time again. They are deep at corner with Grimes, Robinson and Samuel, but can new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan figure out what roles work best for each one and stop the QBs like Brees, Newtown and Freeman.

Last year's record: 10-6

Projected finish: 11-5 (1st in the NFC South)