They are not the best. They are not the worst. They are
average, literally.

The Cardinals passing attack through the first six weeks
of the season ranks 16th out of 32 teams in yards (237.2)
per game.

That though—at least according to quarterback Kevin
Kolb, is about to change.

“Our last three or four practices have been crisp in the
passing game. I think we’re all seeing it more and more
clearly. We’re doing some things that are a little bit
unique and a little bit different that we’re excited
about. I think it can really help us on gameday.

If it weren’t for Kolb’s 295 passing yards in the season
opener against Carolina, the Cardinals would be averaging
almost 223 yards a game; and in the last two games leading
into the bye week, the team threw for an average of 213
yards.

“Our biggest thing is,” explained Kolb following practice
Wednesday, “just get that first, first down. Seems like
when we get that first, first down we kind of put those
drives together and go score. You can’t have those three-
and-outs.

“That’s kind of our theory: if we can get that first,
first down then we’ll get into a little bit of rhythm and
we’ll start rolling. That’s when we are at our best.”

The Cardinals are also at their best when they get the
ball to their pro bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

“You know he’s one of the greatest players in the NFL and
you want to get him the ball,” Kolb said. “But you can’t
force things that aren’t there. That’s when you start to
play out of the box and you can’t win that way.”

After catching eight passes for 102 yards against the
Giants, Fitzgerald was held to only four receptions for 66
yards at Minnesota.

Kolb though, again, believes Fitzgerald’s numbers as well
as the numbers for the team’s other receivers will
improve.

“We changed two or three different things that are going
to help us.” Just how much will be on display this week
against Pittsburgh, a team that allows the fewest passing
yards per game (157.7) in the NFL.

Follow @Vincemarotta