Although the Vikings opted to start quarterback Case Keenum for at least one more week, the club was “very tempted” to turn to Teddy Bridgewater, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports (Twitter link).
While Minnesota views Bridgewater as the face of their franchise, per Glazer, it’s entirely fair to wonder what Bridgewater has to offer in the near term. He hasn’t played in nearly two years after suffering a devastating injury during the 2016 preseason, and has never performed under offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. While Bridgewater should still have some chemistry with wide receiver Stefon Diggs after he caught 52 balls in 2015, Bridgewater has barely thrown to fellow wideout Adam Thielen, who was a bit player the last time Bridgewater was under center.
There’s no easy decision available for the Vikings, but given that the club is a near lock to earn a postseason berth (87%, per Football Outsiders), there’s an argument to made that Minnesota shouldn’t make a change at quarterback. Keenum, a journeyman who’d never experienced much success until this season, has performed extremely well in his seven 2017 starts, completing 65% of his passes for 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. Advanced metrics like Keenum, as well: he ranks second in DVOA, third in total QBR, and fourth in DYAR, per FO.
The question of whether Keenum places a cap on the Vikings offense is a fair one, and Minnesota also may want to get a look at Bridgewater before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next spring. However, unless each of the Vikings’ remaining games is competitive, the club should be able to insert Bridgewater into the lineup for a few snaps down the stretch run.
I mean say they get to the playoffs with Keenum and do reasonably well. What does that mean for Case’s free agent stock?
I think it’d might as well be higher than Teddy’s!
If Teddy doesn’t play, his value will be lowered in free agency because no one will have seen him. Then the Vikings can re-sign him for less and experiment with him next year.
While that may be true, it’s ridiculous to think the Vikings would be willing to “experiment” with any QB next year. Every team tries to win. Why would they risk not winning the division or making the playoffs next year just to save a few million?
I’m still scared for Bridgewater and his knee. That was an absolutely nasty injury. I can’t help but only want him to be a backup QB for life.
I agree. I watch the games and I don’t want to see something I can’t unsee.
I honestly hope that, in practice, that they have been playing prison rules. Pounding the snot out of him like there is no such thing as roughing the passer. You gotta know he’s ready and confident to go out there and take a linebacker coming down on him like a freight train. Injuries like that do weird things to your mind. I’d hate for him to get out there otherwise.