The Minnesota Vikings are trying to learn from their mistakes. In an attempt to move on from Brett Favre, they opted to start first-round pick Christian Ponder. That plan failed to come to fruition, leaving the Vikings once again looking for their replacement to Favre. Teddy Bridgewater is now the newest first-round quarterback for the Vikings, but the team does not plan on having the rookie follow the Ponder path.
OTAs and training camp are normally highlighted by position battles and no matter how much the Vikings try and downplay it, Minnesota has one at the quarterback position. While most are expecting Ponder to proceed as the backup or third string quarterback baring any trade or release between now and then, Bridgewater and veteran Matt Cassel could find themselves in a heated battle up until Week 1.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings will stick to the plan of starting Cassel for the time being as the team is "determined" not to rush Bridgewater onto the field. Minnesota may have traded up to get Bridgewater, but they plan on letting the quarterback take his time developing and learning the offense of coordinator Norv Turner. Adrian Peterson is expected to help in that effort as the running back will be essential to the quarterback play this year. While general manager Rick Spielman had nothing but praise for the team's hopeful long-term quarterback, that does not mean he is stepping under center Week 1.
So far all Minnesota has seen of Bridgewater is his work during rookie minicamp. Head coach Mike Zimmer was very impressed with his skillset and the way he throws the ball. Heading into OTAs, Zimmer noted that Bridgewater will be getting first-team reps, but so will Cassel and Ponder.
"[Bridgewater] is throwing the ball good," Zimmer said, via the Star Tribune. "I think he's got a good presence, a good command of the way he's taking things. It was good for him to be out here with the veteran quarterbacks a little bit last week for a few days."
Zimmer was quick to follow up any praise by saying that he was the third-string quarterback and would remain that way. Upon re-signing Cassel to a new two-year contract, Spielman said the plan was for the veteran to be a stop-gap option while a rookie developed. Bridgewater giving a good first impression does not change the plan.
The patience with Bridgewater helps the future of Ponder who has been facing trade rumors since the end of the season. Spielman continues to stress that the Vikings will not be trading him and right now it does not appear any other team is trying to fight them on that. If Bridgewater does not earn the starting spot by training camp, Ponder's roster spot appears safe.
