According to USA Today, there were 28 quarterbacks drafted in the first round from 2004-2013. Of them, 11 made their starting debuts after Week 1 of their rookie season. Of those 11, only two – Ben Roethlisberger and Vince Young – led their teams to a winning season.
That group of quarterbacks doesn’t include Russell Wilson, Robert Griffin III, Andy Dalton, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez or Matt Ryan; all of whom started Week 1 as a rookie and led their teams to to the playoffs.
The chips aren’t stacked in Bridgewater and the Vikings’ favor simply because injuries or off-the-field issues have eliminated Adrian Peterson, Jerome Simpson, Brandon Fusco and Kyle Rudolph from the offense. Regardless, head coach Mike Zimmer, without flinching, said Bridgewater is ready and he has been since the day he walked in.
Vince Frank from Yardbarker believes Bridgewater will use the solid tools within Norv Turner’s offense to throw for more than 3,000 yards, 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
#Vikings like Teddy Bridgewater poise, decision-making, mobility to extend plays. Likely starter rest of season with Matt Cassel to IR
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) September 24, 2014
Sporting News did a breakdown of Bridgewater’s pro debut filling in for Matt Cassel after the veteran was injured last week against the Saints. In the throw below, Sporting News was “impressed was Bridgewater’s quickness and football/body positioning on the move as a passer.”
In the next play, Bridgewater is seen looking left at his first option, scanning the right flat to see if his running back is open, and then fires a strike to his third option.
Bridgewater may not win his first 14 starts like Roethlisberger did when he took over for the Steelers, but there are some very promising signs that the Vikings may have a longterm solution at quarterback.
