Kalil's Learning The Vikings' New Offense, And Feeling Great
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Most of the questions in this Vikings pre-season are about rookies, newcomers and the new coaching staff. But Vikings have another evaluation – this time with a veteran.
Matt Kalil has been very good at times, and lately he's been injured. Now, he's finding his rhythm, and he feels the worst is over.
"I feel great," he said on Tuesday. "Being out for three months, you just want to do well right away, but, you know, it takes time to get that confidence back and get that technique back."
Now he has to catch on to a new offense, and that's more difficult than one would think – especially when one considers what offensive coordinator Norv Turner believes is effective.
"Just having Norv come in here, it's a change for the better," Kalil said. "I think I'm getting the hand of it."
Impressing Turner is not easy. But the coach has seen enough to be mildly pleased with Kalil.
"He's gotten better," Turner said. "He's missed most of the offsesson, and he's gotten better every step of the way. And that's what we're looking for."
Kalil said he wants a long-term NFL career, and that means being good every practice, every game, every week.
In some respects, Kalil wants to return to his rookie form.
"You set short-term goals for your opponent that week," Kalil said. "Ultimately, if you've stacked up a lot of good weeks…that Pro Bowl kind of takes care of itself."