Vikings' Teddy Bridgewater: 'We're not as good as what we think'

It's easy to think the Minnesota Vikings are poised to take a big step in the right direction this season. After clawing their way to seven wins in 2014 without one of the league's best running backs, the Vikings are operating at full strength this time around.

Though Minnesota might be a sexy pick for a bounce-back campaign, its young quarterback is tempering expectations.

"Right now, we're not as good as what we think," Teddy Bridgewater told Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports. "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 Vikings do have a long way to go, but there are reasons for optimism beyond the return of Adrian Peterson. Tight end Kyle Rudolph is healthy once again and the team acquired speedy receiver Mike Wallace in the offseason.

All this means the Vikings will be asking more from Bridgewater in year two.

"I have high expectations for myself, and this team has high expectations also," said Bridgewater.

Things always sound easier in July, but when September comes, the Vikings are going to have to get through a difficult NFC North if they hope to crack the postseason. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions both made the playoffs last year and won't be easy to overtake in 2015.