“I really think you learn best from playing,” Zimmer said Monday. “That’s what I believe, and I’m glad that he’s playing. … I think in the long run his playing and going through all these experiences and a chance to play against Green Bay, Chicago and Detroit will be a big factor us in the future because he’s been through these things now.”
Zimmer said he was concerned to start Bridgewater at the start of the season because he didn’t want him to become gun-shy or lack confidence after a string of bad outings. Most importantly, Zimmer was worried about Bridgewater’s health. The rookie has taken 32 sacks, tied for eighth most in the NFL, but Zimmer believes the protection has improved over the past two games against a good Jets and Lions defensive line.
“I’m glad that we’re keeping him upright,” Zimmer said. “You can think back, and I know it’s just my belief, you think back on some of the quarterbacks that have had to play as rookies or been playing as rookies and got the heck beat out of them and they haven’t made it. So that was the most important thing to me to start this season is that we take care of him and when it’s time, it’s time.”
His response to adversity in 2014 shows that he is the quarterback of the future for Minnesota and was a worthwhile investment, at least to this point.
The highs and lows of being a young QB have certainly existed. Even in a game where Bridgewater managed to complete 31 of 41 passes, he threw two terrible interceptions that cost Minnesota dearly just a few days ago. Inconsistency will continue. Young quarterbacks are inconsistent.
After you put his factor in context though, everything is on schedule to this point. Bridgewater has steadily improved in a difficult situation and grades out positively in comparison to other rookie quarterbacks—even the most successful of them.
“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly
There you are! You disappeared for a while. It's good to see you posting.
Thanks for the link. Overall, I think the stats show what most of us knew already: Bridgewater is making progress,. He's doing about as well as can be expected for a rookie. QBs that step in and play at an extremely high level in their first year are relatively rare. Teddy's coming along well and hopefully, he'll be even better next year. I hope the Vikes have found their "QB of the Future". The eagerness to declare that is palpable, even in the media, but I really don't think we have a choice other than to wait and see.
I'll say this: Zimmer seems very convinced that Teddy's the man for the job so I think the starting position is his to lose from here forward. He's going to get every opportunity to prove he can be the player we all want him to become.
Mothman wrote:There you are! You disappeared for a while. It's good to see you posting.
It's been a busy month. Thankfully I've been able to spend some of it in California. Now I'm back in the Midwest suffering with the rest of my kin where I belong.
The eagerness to declare that is palpable, even in the media, but I really don't think we have a choice other than to wait and see.
Sure we do. He's the Vikings' long-awaited Franchise Quarterback! See? Easy. You can declare anything at any time.
I'M THE CZAR OF IOWA!
I'll say this: Zimmer seems very convinced that Teddy's the man for the job so I think the starting position is his to lose from here forward. He's going to get every opportunity to prove he can be the player we all want him to become.
As it should be from here on out. Let's just figure out a way to keep him upright with perhaps one or two new faces on the offensive line and another receiver. It'd be like stealing if Charles Johnson ended up being a potential answer opposite Patterson (provided Patterson progresses), post-Jennings (rather than feeling obligated to take a receiver high). I've liked what I've seen out of Johnson so far. He doesn't lack in athleticism, speed or height. He also runs pretty solid routes, too.
“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly
dead_poet wrote:It's been a busy month. Thankfully I've been able to spend some of it in California. Now I'm back in the Midwest suffering with the rest of my kin where I belong.
Were you in California on business or vacation? If the former, I hope you were at least able to get out and have some fun.
Sure we do. He's the Vikings' long-awaited Franchise Quarterback! See? Easy. You can declare anything at any time.
I'M THE CZAR OF IOWA!
Iowa has a Czar? Congratulations!
As it should be from here on out. Let's just figure out a way to keep him upright with perhaps one or two new faces on the offensive line and another receiver. It'd be like stealing if Charles Johnson ended up being a potential answer opposite Patterson (provided Patterson progresses), post-Jennings (rather than feeling obligated to take a receiver high). I've liked what I've seen out of Johnson so far. He doesn't lack in athleticism, speed or height. He also runs pretty solid routes, too.
You can see that he's a big-time athlete whose small school resumé made his road to a starting job tougher but now that he has that job, he's playing like he intends to keep it. He's been a great find.
Mothman wrote:
There you are! You disappeared for a while. It's good to see you posting.
Thanks for the link. Overall, I think the stats show what most of us knew already: Bridgewater is making progress,. He's doing about as well as can be expected for a rookie. QBs that step in and play at an extremely high level in their first year are relatively rare. Teddy's coming along well and hopefully, he'll be even better next year. I hope the Vikes have found their "QB of the Future". The eagerness to declare that is palpable, even in the media, but I really don't think we have a choice other than to wait and see.
I'll say this: Zimmer seems very convinced that Teddy's the man for the job so I think the starting position is his to lose from here forward. He's going to get every opportunity to prove he can be the player we all want him to become.
We had a lot of trouble on 3rd down this week. Especially 3rd and long( other passing situations too) I blame a lot of that on our banged up O line and the good pass rush of the Lions. I liked the way Teddy looked in control at the LOS without a huddle. Nice to see at his age. I like many here want to see better long balls from him. I agree this may come with time. Overall I am happy with Teddy and hope for continued steady progress in his game.
Wild Bill
"Sometimes We Live No Particular Way But Our Own"...Hunter,Garcia
I think Babyface is making good progress, but it is pretty hard to not say he lost us that game on Sunday. Frankly, that is just being honest.
I will say that he gets something a freepass since he is a rookie. But if we does that crap next year or in year three then the appetite for it will be FAR less than it is now. I’m still on the Babyface bandwagon though. He has shown a lot of talent and maybe impressive improvement this year. Easily the most reason to be excited about a QB prospect since Culpepper. I’m excited to see just how good he can be.
Winning is not a sometime thing it is an all of the time thing - Vince Lombardi
mansquatch wrote:I think Babyface is making good progress, but it is pretty hard to not say he lost us that game on Sunday. Frankly, that is just being honest.
I will say that he gets something a freepass since he is a rookie. But if we does that crap next year or in year three then the appetite for it will be FAR less than it is now. I’m still on the Babyface bandwagon though. He has shown a lot of talent and maybe impressive improvement this year. Easily the most reason to be excited about a QB prospect since Culpepper. I’m excited to see just how good he can be.
Well said. Those picks hurt. I agree with your second paragraph especially. I love the babyface name. WOW this last games sideline shots really showed his youthful appearance. He looks about 18 and 2 days.
Wild Bill
"Sometimes We Live No Particular Way But Our Own"...Hunter,Garcia
John_Viveiros wrote:Regarding last game:
"... it was the highest completion percentage in a game for a rookie quarterback with at least 40 attempts in NFL history. "