Zulgad: Sam or Teddy?
Entire article here: Vikings’ quarterback situation about to get more interestingThat’s good news for the Vikings but this situation could soon become
even more interesting. That’s because Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports
reported on Sunday that Bridgewater is expected to be activated from the
physically-unable-to-perform list after Week 6. Bridgewater missed all
of last season after suffering a gruesome injury to his left knee (torn
ACL, dislocation and more) in a non-contact drill during practice just
before the regular season began.
If Bradford had played in all four games this season, Bridgewater’s
return would not be as interesting. But the fact his knee is bothering
him again changes everything.
Bradford is playing in the last season of his contract and there has
to be concern at Winter Park that signing the soon-to-be 30-year-old to
an extension would be a big risk. The Vikings haven’t shared much
information about what’s wrong with Bradford’s knee, but the fact that
he’s twice torn the ACL in it and now it’s bothering him again is reason
to worry.
Bradford remains a bit of an unknown, but considering how hard it is
to find quality quarterbacks in this league it’s not a stretch to
believe that someone is going to make him the type of lucrative offer
that the Vikings might find to be too rich for them.
So the question becomes do you attempt to see if Bridgewater is the
future? It’s far from ideal, and you have no real idea when he will be
ready to go, but if the Vikings feel there is a good chance they will
let Bradford walk, they likely will want to get a look at Bridgewater.
Just because Bridgewater can be activated after Week 6 doesn’t mean
he will be ready anytime soon. The Vikings will play host to the Packers
in Week 6 and Baltimore in Week 7, before going overseas to face
Cleveland before their bye.
The Vikings will have a three-week period for Bridgewater to practice
before they have to decide whether to activate him or shut him down for
the remainder of the season. The latter scenario is unlikely to happen,
so it won’t be surprising if Bridgewater is back on the 53-man roster
in the second half of the season.
unless Sam makes a quick recovery... I am expecting to see Teddy coming out of the bye week at this point. If we know already that they think he is healthy enough to activate, i have to think that they are expecting him to be back in the mix this year and with 3 weeks of practice I would hope that he would be ready to challenge Case for the starting role week 10.
Like everyone I figured that when Teddy came back there would be a HUGE decision to be made by the Vikings. I like what Sam has done both last year and at the beginning of this year but I am really re-thinking that Sam is not going to be a good choice and if Teddy can show he can still play in the NFL we are better staying with him. Lot's of "ifs" and like every year, something comes up to change everything.
They are both big risks. I hope they draft a QB next year.
@"jargomcfargo" said: They are both big risks. I hope they draft a QB next year.unless this Sloter kid is really impressing i have to agree, no matter which one we keep (Sam or Teddy) IMO its only prudent to begin the search in earnest for a new franchise guy.
I hate to piss everyone off...Just my opinion.
It takes a lot to be in "football shape", activating Teddy after week 6 doesn't mean he's necessarily ready to play.
It just means that the timing co-insides with Sams knee issues. Of course everyone wants to play, just ask them, but the prudent thing may be to wait with Teddy, sign him for the long term, because I think Bradford may be done.
I think Sam's career is in jeopardy, and I'm fearful that in our effort to bring Teddy back before he is truly ready,
he opens himself up for injury / re-injury. I'm not Sugarman, so I don't know Teddy's real status, but his injury timeline was
roughly 17 -20 months when it occurred. Which would be the end of this season roughly.
Keenum has shown some Moxy...he CAN be a good QB, but also like Sloter and would be interesting to see him get
some "live-fire" training before the season is over (especially if we are out of playoff contention)
OK....fire away at me
Teddy Bridgewater
could start participating in practices next week, per the NFL rules of
being placed on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list, but the Minnesota Vikings will wait until he is evaluated by his surgeon next Monday.
“Teddy is working hard every day. You guys see him all the time on
the side working extremely hard, doing a great job,” Vikings head
athletic trainer Eric Sugarman said on Tuesday. “He’s got one more week
here where he’s not allowed to participate. He will be re-evaluated by
his surgeon next Monday and then we’re going to take it from there.”
Bridgewater dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments,
including the anterior cruciate ligament, on Aug. 30, 2016 during a
non-contact practice injury and hasn’t played for or practiced with the
Vikings since, although he has been performing most of his rehab with
the Vikings in Minnesota.
In addition, rookie running back Dalvin Cook had his anterior cruciate ligament repaired on Monday by Dr. James Andrews, the same surgeon that performed the repairs to Sam Bradford and Bridgewater.
“No real further damage in his knee thankfully,” Sugarman said.
“Pretty straight ACL and I’d hope to expect him at training camp next
year.”
Teddy won't be ready to go for weeks. Bradford's knee is now problematic and even once it feels better, could be re-aggravated at any time. I can't see the Vikings committing to Sam long-term now. Way too risky. Sam's knee is the best development to keep Bridgewater in Minnesota....I don't think until this injury, that the trend was going to Teddy. It was firmly moving toward Bradford. Not anymore. Teddy has a lot to prove, however. Pretty up in the air.
@"jargomcfargo" said: They are both big risks. I hope they draft a QB next year.Yup...
Neither of em in line for an extension. Not as of today anyways. As I said elsewhere, Vikings are pretty much back to where they were before drafting Bridgewater; lots of questions @ QB. Exactly what none of us were hoping for when the season began.
If the surgeon gives a thumbs up to to the team next Monday, I could see Teddy getting a shot after the bye.
Too bad about Sam. That first game against the Saints was so awesome, and it looked like the Vikes finally had a real NFL offense to compliment the D. He has a career game, and now we're wondering if he's ever going to play another down for the Vikes. Damn...
Can it be all bad for this team? Don't we deserve a feel good story to emerge at some point this season? I know I think so.
Before the season, the job was firmly Bradford’s to lose. Now I think it’s whichever QB gets more solid playing time, because they both have question marks with their knees.
I think we’re all definitely less confident with Bradford
than we were previously and I’m kind of leaning towards “If they’re both injury
risks, go with the younger cheaper Bridgewater (assuming tolled contract), and
draft a QB in the first or second to pair with him and assume it’s going to be
a Brees/Rivers situation”
@"Vanguard83" said: I hate to piss everyone off...Just my opinion.It takes a lot to be in "football shape", activating Teddy after week 6 doesn't mean he's necessarily ready to play.
It just means that the timing co-insides with Sams knee issues. Of course everyone wants to play, just ask them, but the prudent thing may be to wait with Teddy, sign him for the long term, because I think Bradford may be done.I think Sam's career is in jeopardy, and I'm fearful that in our effort to bring Teddy back before he is truly ready,
he opens himself up for injury / re-injury. I'm not Sugarman, so I don't know Teddy's real status, but his injury timeline was
roughly 17 -20 months when it occurred. Which would be the end of this season roughly.Keenum has shown some Moxy...he CAN be a good QB, but also like Sloter and would be interesting to see him get
some "live-fire" training before the season is over (especially if we are out of playoff contention)OK....fire away at me
Unfortunately, I think both Teddy's and Sam's careers are in jeopardy. At least to the point that I don't know that the Vikings can trust either one enough to pay $20+ million for the next 5 years or more.
I really have no idea what to do, but hopefully the answers will become more clear as this season progresses.
@"Vanguard83" said: I hate to piss everyone off...Just my opinion.It takes a lot to be in "football shape", activating Teddy after week 6 doesn't mean he's necessarily ready to play.
It just means that the timing co-insides with Sams knee issues. Of course everyone wants to play, just ask them, but the prudent thing may be to wait with Teddy, sign him for the long term, because I think Bradford may be done.I think Sam's career is in jeopardy, and I'm fearful that in our effort to bring Teddy back before he is truly ready,
he opens himself up for injury / re-injury. I'm not Sugarman, so I don't know Teddy's real status, but his injury timeline was
roughly 17 -20 months when it occurred. Which would be the end of this season roughly.Keenum has shown some Moxy...he CAN be a good QB, but also like Sloter and would be interesting to see him get
some "live-fire" training before the season is over (especially if we are out of playoff contention)OK....fire away at me
Not going to fire away because in many ways you are right. Sam's future seems to be dwindling by the moment. Guess it was the last of the questions he had to answer after the saints game. Health. Sucks for him and for us, but too much risk there.
As to Teddy, if he isn't really ready, I hope we don't rush him back and lose him for good. I won't pretend to be a coach/gm/trainer, and would love to see him return. But I would rather him return at full health, if that is next year, then so be it. With the Sam option waning, I want a solid QB long term, not some short lived shot in the arm of hope.
As to drafting a QB, I think 2-4th round needs to be a QB. And keep trying until we get it right. Spielman's one flaw IMO is his reluctance to subject his QB to competition.
@"greediron" said:@"Vanguard83" said: I hate to piss everyone off...Just my opinion.It takes a lot to be in "football shape", activating Teddy after week 6 doesn't mean he's necessarily ready to play.
It just means that the timing co-insides with Sams knee issues. Of course everyone wants to play, just ask them, but the prudent thing may be to wait with Teddy, sign him for the long term, because I think Bradford may be done.I think Sam's career is in jeopardy, and I'm fearful that in our effort to bring Teddy back before he is truly ready,
he opens himself up for injury / re-injury. I'm not Sugarman, so I don't know Teddy's real status, but his injury timeline was
roughly 17 -20 months when it occurred. Which would be the end of this season roughly.Keenum has shown some Moxy...he CAN be a good QB, but also like Sloter and would be interesting to see him get
some "live-fire" training before the season is over (especially if we are out of playoff contention)OK....fire away at me
Not going to fire away because in many ways you are right. Sam's future seems to be dwindling by the moment. Guess it was the last of the questions he had to answer after the saints game. Health. Sucks for him and for us, but too much risk there.As to Teddy, if he isn't really ready, I hope we don't rush him back and lose him for good. I won't pretend to be a coach/gm/trainer, and would love to see him return. But I would rather him return at full health, if that is next year, then so be it. With the Sam option waning, I want a solid QB long term, not some short lived shot in the arm of hope.
As to drafting a QB, I think 2-4th round needs to be a QB. And keep trying until we get it right. Spielman's one flaw IMO is his reluctance to subject his QB to competition.
Teddy won't be allowed back if he isn't medically cleared, he won't be cleared unless there is minimal risk of reinjury. I don't think we were ever given a legit timeline from a medical professional so I am in wait and see mode, but if he is cleared I fully expect the team to get him on the field as soon as he is up to speed and gets some decent reps in practice.I want to know by seasons end if we are looking high first round for a QB or if we can take a wait and see who falls approach. To big of a draft class to not get one if we really need one.
Whatever happens with Sam and Teddy, we are going to be drafting a qb next year. It just seems like the most sensible thing to do because there are so many unknowns right now.
@"Vikergirl" said: Whatever happens with Sam and Teddy, we are going to be drafting a qb next year. It just seems like the most sensible thing to do because there are so many unknowns right now.Not sure I agree. At least not drafting one high. If both Sam and Teddy wash out, Keenum has shown some capability and Sloter is very intriguing. So many 1st round QBs bust, why do we need to reach for one, when the Keenum is reaching his prime, and Sloter is a big prospect.
I think, now with Sam's knee, Teddy gets every shot to be the guy. Hope he is, but we are not bare in the cupboard anymore at this position.
@"Tom Moore" said:@"Vikergirl" said: Whatever happens with Sam and Teddy, we are going to be drafting a qb next year. It just seems like the most sensible thing to do because there are so many unknowns right now. Not sure I agree. At least not drafting one high. If both Sam and Teddy wash out, Keenum has shown some capability and Sloter is very intriguing. So many 1st round QBs bust, why do we need to reach for one, when the Keenum is reaching his prime, and Sloter is a big prospect.I think, now with Sam's knee, Teddy gets every shot to be the guy. Hope he is, but we are not bare in the cupboard anymore at this position.
We'll have to see what plays out the next 12 weeks...Hell, we could be in need of a starter if Teddy and Sam both wash out.As of now, there is nobody I'd pay out a $50-$100 mm contract to.
I'm really curious about Sloter too btw. Just not THIS SEASON :)
Wow... This was a very well reasoned and civil discussion!!! I was leery of even opening it given the title, but what a nice surprise.
We need more of this. I'd start posting more again if this is how topics are going to be discussed around here.
Love it!
BOOM
Just let it ride... play the hot hand.
Keenum won the game against Chicago on the road, let him start against Green Bay. Hopefully Bradford dresses and can go if they want him to.
After the GB game, Teddy comes back; we keep evaluating Bradfords knee and we judge how Keenum played in contrast. No need to yank Keenum if he played well again. If not, we look to Bradford to show signs that he can play at a high level. ... basically, "practice all week."
I cant imagine Bridgewater stepping off the PUP like Favre getting off of a private jet; he's going to come in with a lot of focus on going through the motions right away (how he "responds" to real practice), and it'll snowball from there. If Keenum puts up stinkers and/or if Bradford remains limited and reduced to playing like he did against Chicago, that's when Teddy should/will be sized up for the oppertunity.
We are 3-2 right now and i'm not committed to much other than winning. We've been clawing our way through this QB thing - its a night and day difference from last season. Our offensive line is holding up ok, our running game is alive... I dont see any reason to just throw a guy in who is "better" at this point. Roll with what works, change what doesn't.
... who wouldnt want to see the ol Bradford we saw against NO? ... we cant keep playing and yanking him until he figures it out, can we? ... is the knee going to suddenly get well enough to avoid the type of untypical mistakes he made against CHI? How is his next start going to transpire? ... can he practice all week this week?
The funny thing about the 3 QBs; these guys have won games with all of them. There doesn't need to be controversy in the locker room because these guys know they can compete with whoever is playing the position.
Can I see what's behind door number 3?
Teddy has a great preseason in 2016, BAM...blows up his knee...Bradford comes out game 1 in 2017 and looks like the #1 QB he was meant to be, BAM...goes out with a knee...at this point neither one appears to be a long termr answer...
Honestly at this point I'd move on from both and take a serious look at the two QBs most likely to hit the market next year: Cousins and Brees...we simply cannot sit back and let that D put another year's mileage on that tread without a serious QB behind center...
Would certainly love to hear Sloter is tearing shit up running the scout team...So far, crickets...
@"BarrNone55" said: Can I see what's behind door number 3?Teddy has a great preseason in 2016, BAM...blows up his knee...Bradford comes out game 1 in 2017 and looks like the #1 QB he was meant to be, BAM...goes out with a knee...at this point neither one appears to be a long termr answer...
Honestly at this point I'd move on from both and take a serious look at the two QBs most likely to hit the market next year: Cousins and Brees...we simply cannot sit back and let that D put another year's mileage on that tread without a serious QB behind center...
Would certainly love to hear Sloter is tearing shit up running the scout team...So far, crickets...
Yeah, I think Minnesota has to draft a QB next year. In what round is the question.
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