The Minnesota Vikings are very aware that the success of their 2014 season will likely be dictated by their starting quarterback. The team has a strong defense, so wins or losses will fall on the consistency of the offense, something that has been a struggle the last few seasons under Christian Ponder. Veteran Matt Cassel and rookie Teddy Bridgewater are currently battling things out as head coach Mike Zimmer is in no rush to name a starter for Week 1.
Most quarterback battles have been decided. The Cleveland Browns ended theirs by proclaiming Brian Hoyer the starter over Johnny Manziel. Mayy Schaub and Ryan Fitzpatrick are also guaranteed starting spots on their respective teams despite the presence of young rookies on the roster. However, the Vikings are not in a similar position. After originally stating that Cassel would be the starter for the 2014 season, Bridgewater's progress has the team thinking otherwise, but do not expect a decision to come soon.
"I thought Matt played well," Zimmer said, via TwinCities.com. "He led them down a 97-yard drive to start the ball game, made a great throw to Cordarrelle [Patterson] and got hit and smacked a couple times but stood in there. He also dropped a couple of balls, but it's not all on the quarterback. I thought he did well, and I thought Teddy [Bridgewater] did well."
Both Cassel and Bridgewater have seen their ups and downs at this point in the preseason. The coaching staff has remained very complimentary of both quarterbacks. Cassel had nothing to offer in regards to the starting quarterback decision. Earlier in training camp he told reporters that he was confident he would remain the No. 1 quarterback on the roster, but he likely was not anticipating Bridgewater's quick development at this point. Running back Adrian Peterson still believes the veteran has the edge in the Week 1 race.
"Right now, I feel like, just my personal opinion, I feel like Matt has the edge," Peterson said, via the Pioneer Press. "Going off of understanding the offense and who's running the offense better right now, you know, nothing to do with talent-wise, so that's why Matt (has the edge). He's been here. He's a veteran guy. This is Teddy's first year, so I feel like we are in a good position to even be having that conversation (about quarterback competition).''
Peterson told media that he has a lot of confidence in Cassel. One thing that is certain, Ponder is remaining with the third team. After denying that he wanted a trade out of Minnesota, the opportunity might be available for him to move before the year begins. The St. Louis Rams are currently considering a trade to replace Sam Bradford for the season. Ponder has starting experience and an expiring contract. He is the perfect fit if the Vikings lower their expectations on a return on the quarterback.