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| Bridgewater will start for the rest of the season for Vikings. Photo Credit: AP |
As expected, the Vikings placed their starting quarterback Matt Cassel on season ending IR after he suffered fractures of several bones in his foot this past Sunday in the game against the New Orlean Saints.
By: Michael Hanley
This now means that Minnesota's first round, number 32 pick in QB Teddy Bridgewater will be the starting quarterback for the rest of this season. Though this is not the way I'm sure Bridgewater had of acquiring the starting job in Minneapolis, it is no less an opportunity for himself to showcase to the Vikings why they selected him in the draft and what he can bring to this offense that can help the team to be in constant position to win games.
The former Louisville star did not have a bad debut Sunday against the Saints as he threw 12/20 for 150 yards, also using his mobility to the tune of 27 yards rushing on six carries. He was able to stabilize the Vikings offense and get them to move the ball down the field, which they were not doing with Cassel at the controls.
Bridgewater was able to make some real nice throws to his wide outs and use his mobility to rush for a couple of gains for solid yardage but also to just plain keep plays alive as he did countless times against an aggressive Saints defense. Though he made some mistakes you would expect of a first time starter, he did give a glimpse of what he could potentially be not just for this season but for years to come for the Vikings.
Here is what Bridgewater himself said about his opportunity moving forward as the starting quarterback (via Josh Katzowitz, CBS Sports):
"Moving forward, I think I am definitely going to be ready. I just need to get more practice reps throughout the week. As a backup, it's all about getting mental reps during the week. But now we have seven days to prepare for Atlanta, so we have time to develop that chemistry with the guys and be able to be a better quarterback."
Sounds like a young man who is determined and ready to handle the responsibilities and obligations that come with being a starting quarterback in the NFL. No question there will be some bumps on the road for Bridgewater and the Vikings moving forward but getting these game reps for Bridgewater will do wonders for his development and as he said himself, the chemistry he develops with the wide receivers, tight ends, running backs and offensive line. Having that cohesion is so key when it comes to being an offensive unit that can move the ball down the field, be productive and be able to avoid the miscommunications that can plague an offense.
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