Teddy Bridgewater on the Vikings: “We’re not as good as what we think”

Teddy Bridgewater, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback, says the team has high expectations for the upcoming season but they are still not ready.

"Right now, we're not as good as what we think," the rookie quarterback said reported by USA TODAY Sports' Tom Pelissero. "We know that the ceiling is very high and the expectation level is very high -- not only for the players, but from a coaching staff also. We know what's being asked of us, but we have a long way to go."

The 22-year-old, who was drafted in 2014, made his debut last season after starting quarterback Matt Cassel broke his foot in week 3. In the final five games of the season, Bridgewater showed off his passing skills by completing 72.1 percent of his passes. He threw 10 touchdowns with six interceptions.

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner also had good things to say about Bridgewater's performance toward the end of the regular season.

"He was much more decisive," said Turner. "We were very specific in terms of what we were doing. I think we had a good feel for what we did best as a unit. We had so many changes early: a culmination of obviously playing three quarterbacks over a period of time, the offensive line shuffling in and out, the backfield situation. I don't care if you had a veteran quarterback - it was going to be a challenge."

With Bridgewater and the return of Adrian Peterson, many are already expecting the Vikings to make it to the playoffs. The Vikings will have guard Brandon Fusco, tight end Kyle Rudolph, wide receiver Mike Wallace and T.J. Clemmings. Although they might be playoff contenders now, a lot can happen throughout the season.

The Vikings finished last season 7-9.