The Minnesota Vikings are more comfortable opening up the passing game with Sam Bradford entering his second year as the starting quarterback.
The most important aspect of a quarterbacks success is their preparation. That was a luxury the Minnesota Vikings were not able to have early last season. When Teddy Bridgewater injured his knee August 30 during practice, the Vikings acted quickly and traded for Sam Bradford. Shaun Hill starting the season opener prior to Bradford taking over in week two.
This trade happened a week before the first game. That left very little time for Bradford to learn the offense. Despite having a limited playbook he won his first four games throwing for 990 yards. While the Vikings ended up only winning three more games after that, Bradford had a good season all things considered.
This season will be much different because Bradford finally received enough time to feel completely comfortable. He feels he has built good chemistry with the receivers.
When asked about building rapport at training camp on Sunday he said the following as reported by Eric Smith of Vikings.com.
"“All those situations are great for quarterbacks’ and wide receivers’ chemistry, I think it’s just getting reps and figuring out what we do well together.”"
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In addition to feeling more comfortable with playmakers like Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Kyle Rudolph, Bradford feels more comfortable with controlling the offense and working with offensive coordinator Pat Shumur to put the team in a better position.
The Vikings quarterback went on to say the following:
"“I am extremely comfortable going up to him and telling him when I’m not comfortable with something and a certain play just doesn’t fit my eye, or if there is something that I have seen on tape, or something that I have done in the past that would be good that week versus the defense we are playing,” Bradford said. “I don’t hesitate to bring it up.”"
Ready for 2017
This is a position the Minnesota Vikings were not in last season since Bradford was learning how to play with his new teammates each week. They will be able to open up the playbook and control the game a lot more in Bradford’s second season with the team. The biggest question mark right now is the offensive line’s ability to give him time to do that.
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If the line gives Bradford time, expect to see a big improvement this season in Sam Bradford’s play. He will be able to change the call at the line and hit receivers in stride. Therefore he will control the flow of the game. The Minnesota Vikings are in desperate need of that after last year’s below offensive performance overall.