 Expected to start, Kolb had a decent preseason debut for the Cardinals in preseason play against the Oakland Raiders, going 4-for-7 for 68 yards; among the four completions was a 43-yard pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.Kolb started his first game for the Cardinals on September 11, 2011 against the Carolina Panthers in the first week of the 2011 NFL season.Kolb was 18 of 27 for 309 yards, two touchdowns, and no picks in the 28-21 win over the Panthers.