The Minnesota Vikings are desperate to turn things around after last season's struggles. They believe that starts with the quarterback play, but entering training camp, it is still unclear who is set to be the starter. The Vikings biggest offseason move was retaining backup Matt Cassel, but rookie Teddy Bridgewater could emerge as the better option. After rushing Christian Ponder into a starting role, will the Vikings do the same with Bridgewater?
Bridgewater is the future of the Vikings' franchise barring any unforeseen setbacks from the rookie, but is he the future for 2014? According to USA Today Sports, Cassel is the favorite to start the season for the Vikings. The 10-year veteran has 68 NFL starts under his belt and the Vikings feel it is the safer route starting Cassel over Bridgewater. Cassel signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract back in May and it is really a no harm no foul situation if Cassel starts and fails.
Heading into training camp, head coach Mike Zimmer did not out-right name a starting quarterback, leaving many to believe the spot is up for grabs, but do not tell Bridgewater that. The rookie wants no business in a quarterback competition discuss. Bridgewater stresses that he is remaining focused on simply improving as a player and teammate rather than trying to earn a starting spot right away.
"That's something I don't feel comfortable talking about," Bridgewater said, via USA Today. "I'm just looking forward to training camp. Can't wait to get to Mankato, put the pads on and just continue doing what we've got to do: play football I haven't been paying attention to that. I've just been trying to learn the playbook more and familiarize myself with the playbook and just continue to get better each day."
The Vikings traded up back into the first round to get the quarterback, drafting him 32nd overall. However, offensive coordinator Norv Turner was shocked Bridgewater was still around at the time. The quarterback specialist believes the rookie should have gone in the top ten of the NFL Draft, but is thankful he fell to the Vikings.
"I think he probably should've gone in the first 10 picks," Turner said, via NFL.com. "He probably should've gone at least in the first half of the first round, and then we're sitting there with an opportunity to get him when we did, it was a bonus to me."
Time will tell if Turner is right on his assumption of Bridgewater. The Vikings offense looks set for a much better 2014 not matter who starts. Adrian Peterson is returning healthy. Cordarrelle Patterson stresses that he has improved in the offseason and Greg Jennings is ready to be the veteran leader. Cassel looks to be a lock to start the season, but if Turner likes the development of Bridgewater, there could be a mid-season switch.
