Why it doesn’t matter who the Vikings backup quarterback is in 2019

What’s wrong with Kyle Sloter?

With Mannion not really inspiring everyone’s imagination outside of TCO Performance Center, the Vikings faithful have turned their attention to current third-string quarterback Kyle Sloter.

In his defense, Sloter has everything that the fans want in their backup quarterback. He has an exciting style of play, a nice arm and a touch of improvisation that would make those longing for the return of Case Keenum to blush.

Sloter also has the backing of Pro Football Focus, who has stopped just short of calling him a preseason god. While Mannion actually has the better PFF grade this preseason, Sloter has the better overall stat line completing 17-of-20 throws for 178 yards and two touchdowns.

This is the norm for Sloter as he might as well be dubbed Mr. August. With a third-straight dominating preseason, he still hasn’t even received as much as a series with the second-team offense and with Mike Zimmer’s declaration earlier this week, it doesn’t seem like much has changed.

This is probably because putting Sloter in would also be destined for failure. As bad as Minnesota fans want Sloter to be the second coming of Brad Johnson or Todd Bouman, the Vikings staff might just be right about the third-year quarterback needing to stick to schedule in the offense.

That’s because while running around and chucking it might work against a third or fourth string defense, such may not be the case when Minnesota actually starts playing real teams. Then again, it’s not like the Vikings know because they haven’t given Sloter the opportunity to prove himself.