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Teddy Bridgewater: Vikings ‘Have A Long Way To Go’

By Adam Carlson

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It’s a good time to be a fan of the Minnesota Vikings.  The team has a promising new coach, an encouraging rookie quarterback and a hugely improved defense, but that doesn’t mean that the squad is ready to win now.

Dec 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) is tackled by Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Jason Trusnik (93) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings had a losing record.  They were plagued by injuries to several key starters, especially along the offensive line.  Not to mention that they were without former NFL MVP running back Adrian Peterson.  Perhaps one of the most notable events from last season was the season ending injury to Matt Cassel, which caused Teddy Bridgewater to be thrust into the starting quarterback role.

Bridgewater had some times that were frustrating, but he improved greatly toward the end of the season.  He seemed to get much more comfortable in the offense and finished the season with a vastly better completion percentage than when he was made the Minnesota Vikings starter.

The team’s offensive coordinator, Norv Turner was still impressed with what he saw from Bridgewater and is excited about the idea of having a full season worth of prep as a starter for him.  In a recent article on USA Today’s website, Turner gave some praise for the young passer’s ability to fill in despite all the team’s problems.

"“He was much more decisive. We were very specific in terms of what we were doing. I think we had a good feel for what we did best as a unit. We had so many changes early: a culmination of obviously playing three quarterbacks over a period of time, the offensive line shuffling in and out, the backfield situation. I don’t care if you had a veteran quarterback — it was going to be a challenge.”"

With an entire offseason to get better and a preseason to prepare as the starter, Bridgewater has his sights on success for the Vikings.  But he knows that it will take a lot of work and won’t happen overnight.

"“I have high expectations for myself, and this team has high expectations also. Right now, we’re not as good as what we think. We know that the ceiling is very high and the expectation level is very high — not only for the players, but from a coaching staff also. We know what’s being asked of us, but we have a long way to go.”"

Even though most Minnesota Vikings fans aren’t expecting a playoff berth or Super Bowl appearance this year, the general consensus seems to be that the team is heading in the right direction and has enough talent to be contenders soon.  It might not be this season.  Heck, it might not even be next season.  But things are definitely looking up for the boys in purple.

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