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Minnesota Vikings: Is offense better without Bridgewater and Peterson

By Ryan Palmer

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) looks on against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) looks on against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings offense has been ‘flying high’ this season despite losing a superstar RB bound for Canton, and a promising fan favorite at QB.

Nobody expected the Minnesota Vikings offense would be more productive after losing two of their cornerstones on offense, but they are.

Addition by subtraction. That phrase has been around for a while, and the Vikings are a prime example.

Losing Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson was like getting thumped in the head for Minnesota fans, but it’s turning out to be just what this team needed.

As good as Bridgewater played last season, the criticism was still there. Teddy can’t throw the deep ball, or Teddy can’t attack opposing defenses downfield. Bridgewater’s preseason performances showed promise, but there was still a question of whether he could take that next step.

Adrian Peterson has earned his respect. He was the Minnesota Vikings identity on offense his entire career. No running back was asked to do more than AP. Peterson was our offense, but times are a changin’.

Is it possible that losing both Adrian and Teddy have helped the Vikings grow as an offensive unit? The answer to that question so far in 2016 has been a profound yes.

https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/788803181065175040

Minnesota Vikings OC Norv Turner has found a player that can run his system. Turner isn’t having to be one-dimensional in calling plays, and the offense is thriving. Sam Bradford is playing like an MVP.

No QB in the NFL has shown more touch and accuracy throwing than Sam. Deep ball, check. Great decision-making, check. Stacking the box against the Vikings will no longer be effective, as Minnesota can spread you out three-wide, and make you pay.

The last time a Vikings QB was playing at such a high level was 2004. Danielle Hunter was still in elementary school, Outkast and Usher were dominating the airwaves, and Daunte Culpepper was slinging it around the Metrodome.

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It seems no matter how the football gods try to punish this team, Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman have an answer. It is a great time to be a Minnesota Vikings’ fan, as things finally seem to be working out for this franchise.

This Sunday will test Sam Bradford’s mettle, how will he perform against his former team. Philadelphia Eagles‘ fans are sure to give him a warm welcome home, in their own way of course. If Bradford puts up 300 yards and 3 TD’s, a new statue might be erected outside U.S. Bank Stadium.

Fan’s just want to keep the good times rolling, and so far that has meant Bradford playing lights-out for the Minnesota Vikings. If Minnesota makes a deep run into the playoffs it will make for an interesting offseason.

Next: Karl-Anthony Towns picked by most GM's to build team around

Bradford has played at such a high level that Viking’ fans are saying, Teddy who?

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