Serviceable Hill
Coach Zimmer did his best to keep the Titans guessing whether it would be Hill or Bradford starting at quarterback. I don’t think anyone was surprised to see Hill get the start in the one. Bradford is still getting familiar with not only the playbook, but his receivers as well.
Hill went 18 of 33 for 236 yards and no touchdowns. The Vikings needed at minimum, a game manager type of performance from Hill and they got exactly that. While he didn’t turn the ball over, it’s clear that his arm is just not one that will send fear into opposing secondaries. Hill had Diggs wide open in the first half for what surely would have been a touchdown. It was a bad throw that I’m sure Bradford hits with ease.
The Titans secondary is weak but that still did not detract them from stacking the box to stop Peterson. There isn’t a defense in the league that will be worried about Hill beating them. Peterson’s bad day was a clear reflection of this. Once Bradford is behind center, defensive coordinators will be a bit more hesitant to put all the focus on stopping the run. This is best offense Bradford will have played for and Bradford might be the best down-the-field QB the Vikings have had since Favre.
Next: Catching fire!