Teddy Bridgewater Already Out Of Excuses In Minnesota

Dec 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) is chased by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Randy Starks (94) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It may not be fair to say there is no reason a second-year quarterback shouldn’t thrive heading into this season but those are the expectations Teddy Bridgewater created. It started when the Minnesota Vikings traded up for him at the end of the 1st round in the 2014 draft and then again when he took over as starter and went 6-6, finishing with at least a 90 quarterback rating in four of his final five games.

Teddy Bridgewater: Vikings ‘Have A Long Way To Go’ http://t.co/o29cDBcVaZ #Vikings
— The Viking Age (@TheVikingAge) July 7, 2015

That alone set the bar high. What is making it almost impossible for him to afford a down season in year two is the moves the team has made since the end of last season. The defense got even stronger with the arrival of rookies Trae Waynes and Eric Kendricks while the offense probably danced in the aisles when they heard Adrian Peterson was finally returning from suspension. That doesn’t even include the arrival of Mike Wallace via trade from Miami. Add in Charles Johnson, Jarius Wright and Kyle Rudolph and it’s quiet a collection of options most quarterbacks wouldn’t mind having in the slightest.

So. Top 10 defense?

Check.

Dominant running back?

Check.

Solid array of receivers?

Check again.

Ever so suddenly the Minnesota Vikings have put their projection arc from reaching .500 this season to Super Bowl, provided they get what they hope for from their young quarterback. That’s a lot of pressure for Teddy Bridgewater, who doesn’t turn 23-years old until November. Fair or not, how high this team climbs or how far it falls depend more than ever on his progression as a pro quarterback in the NFL.

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