The 2012 version of Camp Cardinals begins soon, and over the course of roughly one month there will be 21 practices and three preseason games.

Through it all, the team hopes to answer questions, many of which will ultimately determine just how successful the team is this season.

Let's find a QB
The first order of business, and most important issue on the team, is who will be the quarterback in Week 1 against the Seahawks: Kevin Kolb or John Skelton?

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has maintained all offseason that there would be a legitimate competition for the job, though most feel it is Kolb's job to lose. The 27-year-old was acquired by the team prior to last season, struggled with injuries, accuracy and pocket presence, throwing nine touchdowns against eight interceptions while being sacked 30 times - in nine games. Kolb needs to produce now or be regarded as a bust. Of course, he'll only get that chance if he wins the job over John Skelton, who led the Cardinals to six wins last season with numbers that, well, aren't exactly the type that you want to see from a QB.

The 24-year-old completed just 54.9 percent of his passes and threw more interceptions than touchdowns (14/11), but showed enough poise and promise to have a shot at the starting gig.

Dynamic Duo --- we think
Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams were expected to provide a 1-2 punch the Cardinals had never seen at the running back position last year. But as they say, even the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.

Williams went down with a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee in the preseason and Wells, the primary back for the first time in his pro career, responded with a gutsy 1,047-yard, 10-touchdown season. Both were career highs, but the former Ohio State star missed two games due to injury and battled various other ailments all season. Many doubt his ability to stay healthy and carry the load, and mysterious offseason surgery on his knee that kept him off the field during OTAs and minicamps has done nothing to allay those fears. Then again, Wells may not need to carry the ball as much next year, if Williams returns and is the player the Cards thought they nabbed in the second round of the 2011 Draft.

Many a fan and reporter were impressed with the back's quickness, agility and power, and there were some who thought he'd take over for Wells as the number one runner. That could still happen, but for now the Cardinals would be happy to just have good depth at running back.

After Fitz, what is there?
The Arizona Cardinals have one of the best receivers in the game in Larry Fitzgerald, but do they have much after him? The hope is that they do.

The Cards took Notre Dame wideout Michael Floyd with the 13th pick in last April's draft, and the expectation is he'll immediately become a key contributor for the offense. Then again, he is a rookie, and could need some seasoning before really becoming a weapon. However, receivers Early Doucet and Andre Roberts have each shown flashes, and may be ready to become big-time weapons.

The two combined for 105 receptions, 1,275 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and could thrive in a slot role for the team. But Doucet has to stay healthy and Roberts must be consistent. Of course, the entire receiving corps could get a boost from the tight ends, as both Todd Heap and Robert Housler are expected to make a greater impact this season.

Heap battled injuries last year and Housler had typical rookie issues (as well as a QB in Kolb who appeared to be against throwing touchdowns to the TE down the seam), but both enter camp healthy and ready to give the Cardinals something they've really never had at the position: quality.

None of it matters if the OL doesn't play well
You didn't think we'd do a preview without mentioning the offensive line, did you? I mean come on, it is the Cardinals we're talking about.

Levi Brown and Daryn Colledge will be on the left side with Lyle Sendlein once again holding down the center position, and newcomer Adam Snyder should slide in at right guard. But what about right tackle?

Veteran Jeremy Bridges figures to get the first crack at things, but isn't viewed as a viable long-term answer at the position. Thus, the team is hoping rookie Bobby Massie will ultimately earn the job. Problem is, Massie was a fourth-round pick for a reason, and if he does not develop quickly enough the Cardinals could have an issue at the right tackle spot.

The Arizona Cardinals won eight games last season despite an offense that held NFL ranks of 17th in passing and 24th in rushing. They scored just 19.5 points per game, and that was with the help of Patrick Peterson's punt return exploits and a defense that had a penchant for making plays. They'll have to be better in 2012 if they hope to return to the playoffs, and we'll get a pretty good idea if they will be better over the next few weeks.

Come back Tuesday as we take a look at the Cardinals' defense