Why We Don't Get Too High Or Too Low During Pre-Season

So I've been thinking back on the previous two exhibition games, and those are probably reasons #1 and reasons #2 as to why we shouldn't get too excited or too depressed over the outcomes of said games.

We've seen good and bad so far, yet I think we should remember a couple of things: during the pre-season, there's a gameplan, but nothing to the level we see during the regular season. I've seen some good things from some areas of concern, and I still see some problems.

I think this team has improved, but let's not get carried away yet. Matt Kalil, for all his promise, is still just a rookie. But I feel the offensive line is much better than a year ago. Christian Ponder is only in his second year, and will probably make more than his fair share of mistakes. But he's also got the potential to be a long term solution to a position that has been, for the most part, a black hole for far too long.

Harrison Smith looks like a definite upgrade at safety, but the other position remains in doubt. The third running back position might be a tire fire, but let's face it, if the Vikings get down to the third running back having to start and/or play significantly, there are a lot more problems that will be facing the team.

At wide receiver, I like Jerome Simpson after Percy Harvin, but after that it's a total crapshoot. Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson will play big roles in the offense with the two tight sets, at least I think so. With Carlson's injury, he's behind. Let's hop he doesn't get injured again.

Overall, I've got a good feeling about this team. They looked like an improved team, they have a very manageable schedule early on, and although I'm not predicting playoffs, they'll be in the hunt.

The pre-season has been about what I expected, and I'm glad the real thing is almost here.