The Minnesota Vikings enter Sundays contest with the Detroit Lions underdogs as far as records are concerned and the play of Rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater will go a long way in determining who walks out of this NFC North contest victorious. Below are a few things Bridgewater must do to defeat the Lions.
Use His Legs
A big reason why Teddy Bridgewater has the potential to be a dangerous and exciting quarterback is his ability to run. While Bridgewater didn’t run often in college, as I expect to be the same in the NFL, when he runs he can be successful and keep the defense off guard and respecting the run.
On Bridgewater’s first drive against the Saints we saw Bridgewater pick up a 3rd and 5 on a designed QB run that the Saints didn’t expect leaving a large hole open up the middle. Bridgewater was injured however on a similar play against the Falcons which may lead to less designed runs for Teddy in the future.
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Use His Check Down
While all Vikings fans would like to see Bridgewater hit his receivers deep down the field on every play #5 excels at hitting his check down routes with great success. Bridgewater finished his Junior year in college with a 71% completion percentage. If Teddy can have anything above a 60% completion percentage Sunday, like he did against the Falcons (63%) the Vikings have a good chance to win.
On Bridgewater’s first 3rd down attempt vs the Saints he was able to hit Matt Asiata in the flat for 41 yards. If Teddy can get production out of Matt Asiata and Jerrick McKinnon on his check downs he will have a successful game.
If Teddy Bridgewater can utilize his legs and not force the ball downfield Sunday the Vikings should have a good channce to even their record at 3-3 against the Lions on Sunday.