Minnesota Vikings: Same expectations with Bradford

Sam Bradford was brought to the Minnesota Vikings to help solve a seemingly desperate situation. The Vikings are built to win now, and Bradford will help make that happen.

Coach Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman had to take a calculated risk. In a trade that sent the Minnesota Vikings first- and conditional fourth- round draft choice(s) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Bradford’s services.

Teddy Bridgewateris not only going to miss the 2016 NFL season, but most of 2017’s as well. The Vikings needed a long-term solution to replace Bridgewater. UnfortunatelyShaun Hillwas not the sixteen game band-aid the organization was looking for. The thirty-six year old is still considered a great fill in starter, meaning a game or two, but an entire season under center would’ve been a stretch.

Losing apotentialfranchise QB stinks. Losing him a few weeks prior to the regular season opener hurts even worse. However, whenSam Bradfordgets up to speed in Norv Turner’s system he will be just as good, if not better, than Teddy could have been in his third year.

So, which team comes out better?

Only Nostradamus can answer that question. It seems to favor Philly at the moment, but what if the Minnesota Vikings make a solid run into the playoffs? Even minusTeddy Bridgewater, this team would have still won a lot of football games. Teddy’s numbers weren’t exactly earth-shattering last year either. Not bashing the kid while he’s down, it’s just the truth.

Teddy Bridgewater’s 2015 statistics-

Team

CMP%

YDS

TD

INT

Rating

2015

Vikings

65.3

3,231

14

9

88.7

Sam Bradford’s 2015 statistics-

Team

CMP%

YDS

TD

INT

Rating

2015

Eagles

65.0

3,725

19

14

86.4

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Even withShaun Hillstarting all season the Vikings would have finished in the top 25% of the league. Meaning our 2017 first round draft pick will likely fall into the latter half of the first round, say 20^thor higher. Could we miss out on that future changing franchise player, of course, but either way we would waste two to three years waiting for the nextPeyton Manningto develop.

One of Bradford’s biggest drawbacks seems to be his salary. At an average of $17.5 million per season, he might seem a little overpaid. Considering that the Washington Redskins are givingKirk Cousinsalmost $20 million in 2016, Bradford may soon seem like a bargain. We now have a veteran starter at quarterback that can help fill the almost two year void until Bridgewater’s return.

Next: The Curse of being a Vikings Fan

It’s shaping up to be playoffs or bust for the upcoming 2016 Minnesota Vikings season. It feels weird still having such high expectations for a team that just lost their starting QB. The Vikes however are built around a strong running game, and an even stronger defense. Sam Bradford is just what Minnesota needed to keep them on the winning track.

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