Teddy Bridgewater is going to get every opportunity to win the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback gig this preseason.
The Vikings released their first preseason depth chart Tuesday, with Matt Cassel listed as the starter. However, the praise for the rookie signal-caller hasn't ceased from offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
Meeting with reporters on Tuesday, Turner said Bridgewater has been playing at an "awfully high level," per the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson. Turner added he doesn't think the rookie is struggling because he is asked to do a lot of things.
The praise for Bridgewater's acumen meshes well with Turner gushing about the signal-caller's throwing ability early this offseason.
Bridgewater will get his chance to run with the first team to prove he deserves the job.
"We need to play Teddy with the first line. We need to mix a lot of players," Turner said. "We want to see Teddy play. He needs to play to go through that first time going out.''
One improvement coaches have told Bridgewater he needs to work on is making quicker reads.
"Coach Turner always tells me I have to be quicker with my decision making," Bridgewater said. "He has been telling me I've got to get back from under center fast. ... That's been the main point for me. Just playing faster, progressing faster and just getting rid of the football faster.''
Being quicker while still making the smart read is one aspect where rookie quarterbacks often struggle. While the team continues to praise Bridgewater, if he doesn't pick up the pace during preseason, the team could decide he'll do better sitting behind veteran Matt Cassel to start the season.
The latest Around The League Podcast makes sense of Andy Dalton's new contract and takes a look at the Giants' evolving backfield.
