Minnesota Vikings QB Bridgewater knows team expectations

Teddy Bridgewater continues to grow since being thrust into a starting role for the Minnesota Vikings his rookie year, but knows expectations are growing.

When the Minnesota Vikings selected Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with the final pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the expectations were for him to sit behind veteran Matt Cassel for a season in order to adjust to the NFL and learn the necessary skills to succeed.

Related Story: Minnesota Vikings 2016 game-by-game season preview

However, that plan backfired and the rookie was forced into action during a week 3 injury to Cassel. Since then Bridgewater has been the team’s starting quarterback and hasn’t looked back. Over that time, his play has been up and down, but now the young passer knows exactly what the team wants from him for the 2016 NFL season.

According to ESPN.com, Bridgewater is ready to take on the challenges from his head coach and help make himself, and the players around him, better.

"“I just want to continue to get better — continue to do my job, so the guy next to me is able to do his job well. It’s my third year now, playing for Coach Zimmer. I know what to expect. I know what he wants from his players. Understanding his message is going to help continue to motivate this team.”"

More from The Viking Age

Bridgewater gaining confidence is important, but is familiarity with his system and his passing targets. The team made another big change at wide receiver this offseason, letting go veteran Mike Wallace and drafting Laquon Treadwell. But that doesn’t mean it will take a long time for these two young men to get on the same page.

"“Each year, you get more comfortable as you’re in the system. We’ve added some new weapons up front, Laquon in the first round. Our defense is pretty good — we know that. It’s a challenge going against those guys every day. We’ve added some pieces, and we can’t wait to get going. It’s June, and we have a long way to go. We’re going to continue to build chemistry, get better as a team and proceed from there.”"

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2016 NFL Draft class

Fans should expect a different Teddy Bridgewater this year, but not too different. He should be more confident, more familiar, more vocal, and more willing to take some chances. Hopefully, all of this will help make the Minnesota Vikings a more unpredictable offense and lift the team to the next level.

Schedule