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Teddy Bridgewater Is ESPN’s Top 2nd Year Breakout Player

By Adam Carlson

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Last season, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was thrust into a starting role after an injury to Matt Cassel sidelined the veteran passer for the season.  Playing Bridgewater that soon was not part of the team’s plans, as they hoped that Bridgewater could sit for a year and learn for at least one season before seeing regular season action.  However, what we saw from him at the end of the year was something that gave fans and NFL analysts some hope for the team’s future.

Nobody seems more impressed with Teddy Bridgewater than ESPN’s Field Yates, who compiled a list of his biggest 2nd year breakout candidates in an INsider article on the ESPN website.  Here is what he wrote about Bridgewater.

"“He’s very poised and never gets rattled,” said one NFL coach of Bridgewater. “He has enough mobility to avoid pressure in the pocket.” The Vikings put on a clinic insofar as how to groom and develop a quarterback in his rookie season. Matt Cassel began the season as the starter, providing Bridgewater time to grow and alleviating any pressure on meeting expectations immediately. After Cassel injured his foot, Bridgewater stepped into a starting role and showed strides throughout the season."

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

While I’m personally very excited for Teddy Bridgewater’s future with Minnesota, I’m starting to worry that the massive expectations that are being placed on him could be a bit much.  Last season at this time, there was a lot of praise and optimism for Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, but he failed to meet those expectations and had a disappointing 2nd NFL season.  While Teddy and Cordarrelle are two very different types of players, it’s hard not to worry about a sophomore slump of sorts.

What do you guys think?  Is the excitement and praise for Teddy Bridgewater justified or are fans and analysts jumping the gun a little bit when it comes to the former Louisville quarterback?  Let me know what you guys think in the comments below.

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