Bills vs. Vikings: Players Who Impressed in Preseason Matchup

The Minnesota Vikings blew out the Buffalo Bills in preseason play on Friday, 36-14.

Although exhibition games don't mean a whole lot, it is important to note the progress young players are making. 

Two young quarterbacks, as well as a seventh-round draft pick, made good impressions on Friday, making big impacts in the game.

Here's a look at some players who impressed as the Bills took on the Vikings.

Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Second-year quarterback Christian Ponder was very efficient on Friday, going 10-of-13 for 136 yards, including a touchdown.

Ponder has looked much better in the preseason after a rocky rookie campaign. He went 4-of-9 for 80 yards in the Vikings' preseason opener despite three dropped balls by his receivers, and his athleticism and arm have continued to look good.

If the receiving corps can round into shape, Ponder could do some things in 2012-2013.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills

Ryan Fitzpatrick was spotty in the Bills' preseason opener, going 6-of-14 for 61 yards in Chan Gailey's wide-open scheme.

But Fitzpatrick bounced back on Friday, going 8-of-11 for 58 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown to Donald Jones.

Fitzpatrick and the Bills got off to a 4-2 start last season, but faltered down the stretch as Fitzpatrick tossed 16 interceptions in the last nine games. Fitzpatrick has said he's more comfortable with his accuracy this offseason, but his decision-making will be critical.

Audie Cole, LB, Minnesota Vikings

Rookie Audie Cole may have done his damage toward the end of the game against worse quarterbacks, but you can't ignore two interceptions returned for touchdowns.

With the Vikings up, 22-14, Cole picked off Tyler Thigpen with 3:18 remaining and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown. On the first play of the Bills' next drive, Cole picked off Brad Smith, going 30 yards this time to take it to the house.

Cole's development is important for the Vikings. The team allowed opposing quarterbacks to collectively complete 68.2 percent of their passes last season, the second-worst mark in the NFL, and notched just eight interceptions (tied for worst).

Cole certainly isn't going to be an interception machine in the NFL, but his instincts and awareness were noted leading up to the draft this year.