The Minnesota Vikings have a great chance at repeating as NFC North Champions if quarterback Teddy Bridgewater makes a big jump in year three. Vikings fans were looking for that big jump for Bridgewater in year two last year but did get it as his production was similar to his rookie year.
He came in as the safest, most pro ready quarterback in the 2014 NFL Draft and displayed just that both of his years in the NFL. But you don’t become a great quarterback and have an explosive offense in the NFL by always being safe—you have to take chances to attain greatness.
General Manager Rick Spielman talked to the Minneapolis Star back in February about what he wants to see from Bridgewater in year three. He said, “I think just the biggest thing that you want to see is maybe him letting it loose a little more.”
“I don’t want to call him cautious, but he took very good care of the ball because we don’t want to turn the ball over. I don’t want to speak out of turn for the coaches, just letting it loose a little more, giving some guys a chance to make plays even though it may not look like it’s open.
“I think that comes with time, the more and more the quarterbacks are in the league.”
With the season a ways away, Bridgewater appears to be taking to what Spielman wants in the team’s OTAs. Head coach Mike Zimmer apparently agrees with his GM and must have told his QB as he used similar vernacular while discussing what he’s seen from Bridgewater this offseason.
He said to Vikings.com Monday, “You know, he threw the ball really, really well, and I thought he threw the ball well today, too. He just seems to be cutting it loose a little bit more. You know he sees it, and he lets it go. He’s shown some really nice deep balls.
“He seems like he’s, I guess, matured and he’s more comfortable in everything that he does.”
And to go with standout WR Stephon Diggs, the Vikings drafted Lequon in the first round. They also invested in their offensive line to give Bridgewater more protection this year. Adrian Peterson doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon and the defense will be great again.
So if Bridgewater “cuts it loose” makes that jump in 2016, the Vikings could see the Super Bowl.