Minnesota Vikings: What should the Vikings do with their quarterback dilemma?
By Travis Young
The Minnesota Vikings are on a roll, but quarterback decision and play of this selection will determine team’s fate.
The Minnesota Vikings have won four in a row, are 6-2 and set up nicely at the mid-way point of the 2017 season. All three facets of the Vikings game have been steady if not impressive in portions of the first eight weeks. Unfortunately, quick starts by the purple are common. Strong finishes are not. Now, most importantly, the starting quarterback decision and the play of that signal caller, will lead to joy or despair for Vikings’ fans.
Case Keenum is a quality backup in the NFL. He has a 5-2 record as the Vikings starter and the club has to be ecstatic with the way he has performed. But, over the past few weeks, Mike Zimmer has not declared him the cemented starter going forward. Zimmer and the club seem set to wait on the health on Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater before delving further into this issue.
Like a solid backup, Keenum did just enough in the wins over Chicago, Baltimore and Cleveland. He was not brilliant and struggled with accuracy on several occasions. However, with a rushing attack and solid receiving weapons, he came through when needed. I respect his ability to flash, but he cannot be counted on to lead a team to difficult playoff victories.
Bradford has not practiced in a few weeks. No timetable has been set for his return. From the outside looking in, he does not appear to be close to returning. At this point, he would seem the least likely to make an impact of the three options down the stretch.
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Teddy Bridgewater would seem to be the desired choice of the coach, the team and fans. Everyone is cheering for this immensely popular young man to return to good health and lead the club to the Super Bowl. This would be the Cinderella story of the season, but his severe knee issues and lack of playing time over the past two years does not augur an elite level of play immediately.
Bridgewater will likely play soon, because the doctors have approved it and Zimmer wants to see how he fares. Whether this is through poor play from Keenum or not, Bridgewater will have his opportunity. His play would have to be reminiscent of his performance in the Seattle playoff game from two years ago to warrant a return to quality starter status.
Next: Five things we learned in the Vikings win over Baltimore
In a perfect scenario, with all three options healthy, I take Bradford in a playoff game over the other two. But, despite his late season return, bet on Bridgewater under center in January and let’s hope for the best Vikings fans.