Is Cassel pulling away from Bridgewater?
He could play the entire first half of #AZvsMIN: http://t.co/iYjl7y2ysy pic.twitter.com/lXMzaQjJQJ
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2014
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said it is possible that Matt Cassel could play the entire first half of Saturday’s second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
It could be a sign that Cassel is starting to put a little distance between himself and rookie Teddy Bridgewater. Cassel was 5 of 6 for 62 yards and led the Vikings to their only touchdown in the first preseason game against Oakland.
“I hope Matt continues to do what he’s been doing,” said Zimmer. “He’s been making the right decisions, been getting the team in and out of the right plays.”
Of Bridgewater, Zimmer said he just wants to see the rookie go out and play.
“He’s got so much going on in his mind right now,” said Zimmer. “I just want him to go out there and play. I told him that yesterday and I’ll tell him that before the ball game.”
Reporters have made much ado about the number of interceptions that Bridgewater has thrown during practices this week in Mankato.
Rookie Teddy Bridgewater throws three interceptions in night practice at training camp. See story at http://t.co/06VYyvHLie
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 12, 2014
According to NFL.com, Zimmer has a date in mind when he plans to announce the teams Week 1 starter, but he isn’t ready to reveal it yet, but reports are starting to surface.
Reports coming out of Minnesota indicate the #Vikings will go with Matt Cassel as their Week 1 starter #sportsrants
— Anthony DiMoro (@AnthonyDiMoro) August 14, 2014
Teddy Bridgewater better pull something out of his hat Saturday if any chance to start Week 1 Cassel could play 1st half and Bridgewater 2nd
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 14, 2014
Bridgewater did lead the Vikings to a field goal on his first drive in the first preseason game. But at times he didn’t look totally sharp, and finished 6 of 13 passing for 49 yards.
Still though, the Vikings coaches seem happy with Bridgewater’s early progress.
Norv Turner compared Teddy Bridgewater's vision to Drew Brees. Turner worked w/ Brees as a rookie. Pointed out it took Brees time #vikings
— Britt McHenry (@BrittMcHenry) August 14, 2014
Adrian Peterson to sit out again
Adrian Peterson is expected to sit out again. Peterson didn’t play in the Vikings first preseason game against Oakland either.
In fact, the all-pro running back hasn’t had a preseason carry since 2011, so its not a huge surprise that he won’t play again. Peterson could sit out all of this preseason, he played just two plays, but didn’t have a carry in 2013.
The risk of injury to Peterson isn’t worth the reward of seeing him in game action before the regular season opener on Sept. 7, according to 1500 ESPN.
A few other Vikings are also expected to miss Saturday night’s game.
These Vikings will not play Saturday vs. Cardinals: Adrian Peterson, Linval Joseph, Josh Robinson, Chase Ford, Robert Blanton, Dom DeCicco.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 14, 2014
