Zulgad: Vikings likely to put their trust in Teddy
As the Vikings’ feel-good season of 2017 played out before our eyes we knew this day was coming. We just didn’t know when and members of the franchise, and fans alike, were hoping it would be after a Super Bowl parade.That possibility came to an abrupt and ugly end on Sunday as the Eagles ran the Vikings off the field in Philadelphia in the NFC title game. So on Tuesday coach Mike Zimmer gave his end-of-season press conference at Winter Park, fielding a variety of questions about the direction of the franchise.
None was more important than the ones involving the Vikings’ plan at quarterback. For all the success the Vikings had in going 13-3 this season, and then winning an NFC Divisional playoff game against New Orleans in miraculous fashion, this team has little certainty at the most important position in sports.
Case Keenum, the starting quarterback for much of 2017; Sam Bradford, the guy who entered the season as the starting QB and lasted one game before a sore knee wrecked his year; and Teddy Bridgewater, who is on the mend from a gruesome knee injury suffered in August 2016, all are due to become free agents this March.
The national folks assume that Keenum is a slam dunk to return, either playing under the franchise tag or with a rich multiyear contract that he couldn’t have possibly expected when the career backup signed a one-year, $2 million contract with Minnesota last spring to serve as Bradford’s backup.
Keenum, who will turn 30 on Feb. 17, was 11-3 as the Vikings’ starter, throwing for 3,547 yards with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Keenum had never started more than nine games in his previous four seasons and his success, and likability, made for a great story.
His teammates rallied around him and his struggles in the Vikings’ opening playoff game were overshadowed by his last-second 61-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs that provided one of the most memorable moments in Vikings history.
The feeling was that if Keenum had gotten the Vikings to the Super Bowl it would be impossible not to bring him back, even though Zimmer never seemed to be completely sold on him. Evidence that Zimmer lacked faith in Keenum was everywhere. He refused to name Keenum his starter for much of the season. He said Keenum had a “horseshoe” after a 24-7 win in November over the Rams. He said he became comfortable with Keenum “four or five weeks ago,” in late December.
Zimmer seemed to always be ready for Keenum’s magic to disappear. That began to happen in the second half against the Saints. It was fully gone by Sunday as Keenum threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the red zone against the Eagles.
So where do Zimmer and the Vikings turn now?
The feeling here is it won’t be to Keenum.
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/01/zulgad-vikings-likely-put-trust-teddy/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Yes, one bad quarter vs New Orleans and 2 turnovers created when he lineman couldn't block and he got hit, or he forced one late just trying to make something happen.
Little in the story had any evidence that the Vikings are gonna roll with Teddy. I am on record as saying, he is my least favorite of the 3 choices - I don't like to just anoint someone the starter after being out 2 years, and not being anything more than middle-of-the pack when he went down. He has skills, but both Sam and Case have shown more on the field.
I am hoping for Teddy, but having Dulzag come out in support of my choice really doesn't leave a warm fuzzy.
Seems he had been waiting all year to write that, or likely wrote it back in November waiting for the day he could publish it.
@"Tom Moore" said: Yes, one bad quarter vs New Orleans and 2 turnovers created when he lineman couldn't block and he got hit, or he forced one late just trying to make something happen.Little in the story had any evidence that the Vikings are gonna roll with Teddy. I am on record as saying, he is my least favorite of the 3 choices - I don't like to just anoint someone the starter after being out 2 years, and not being anything more than middle-of-the pack when he went down. He has skills, but both Sam and Case have shown more on the field.
^^^
Yup...what he said!
@"Bolstad79" said: Judd just throwing stuff at the wall.Click/Bait we are going to see a lot of that in the upcoming month.
@"Ilovebigtd's" said: i fucking hope so judd. i fucking hope so. teddy is the answer and soon enough you will all feel silly for doubting himHow do you know Teddy isn't "highly susceptible" to injury? He hasn't been around that long. And missed 2 seasons, and he's taken 5 snaps since his injury.That would be one of my concerns.
I really don't know why Teddy or Case would want to sign with the Vikings. The organization hasn't exactly gone all in on either of them.
IMO all 3 of our quarterbacks will be starters somewhere this upcoming season and it wouldn't surprise me if all 3 take their talents elsewhere
@"Hidalgo" said: I really don't know why Teddy or Case would want to sign with the Vikings. The organization hasn't exactly gone all in on either of them. IMO all 3 of our quarterbacks will be starters somewhere this upcoming season and it wouldn't surprise me if all 3 take their talents elsewhereSo you think we're getting Cousins?
I guess, but hopefully he isn' given a conract that makes him the highest paid player in the league.....
In all seriousness what does Teddy have to be sad about? I get what could make Case a little butt hurt, but he has a history before Minnesota that needs to be taken into consideration. But the only thing Teddy could be salty about is the last two weeks, but I also think it was a fair move to bring a guy like Bradford back for those 2 games.
"Let’s make one thing clear. This is not being written as a pro-Bridgewater column or a slam on Keenum."
Are you sure about that Judd? It sounds like a slam on Zimmer and Spielman based on his own speculation. It's ridiculous. There is nothing of substance to back up what he is talking about. But that's standard operating procedure for these guys.
@"Bolstad79" said:@"Hidalgo" said: I really don't know why Teddy or Case would want to sign with the Vikings. The organization hasn't exactly gone all in on either of them. IMO all 3 of our quarterbacks will be starters somewhere this upcoming season and it wouldn't surprise me if all 3 take their talents elsewhere So you think we're getting Cousins?I guess, but hopefully he isn' given a conract that makes him the highest paid player in the league.....
In all seriousness what does Teddy have to be sad about? I get what could make Case a little butt hurt, but he has a history before Minnesota that needs to be taken into consideration. But the only thing Teddy could be salty about is the last two weeks, but I also think it was a fair move to bring a guy like Bradford back for those 2 games.
Teddy could very well be butt hurt over being deactivated the past 2 games. The fans may think it's fair, the Vikings organization may think it's fair but Teddy's thoughts are what matters.
IMO, the Vikings are probably wanting 1 of their current three but are going to eff it up and end up holding an empty bag. Isn't that the Viking way?
I have no idea who our QB is going to be next year (as I've said before, there are good arguments for and against each one), but I think the least likely candidate is Case Keenum.
@"MaroonBells" said: I have no idea who our QB is going to be next year (as I've said before, there are good arguments for and against each one), but I think the least likely candidate is Case Keenum.I agree, but they could always tag Case at the last minute and then use the 30th pick to draft QB of the future. I hope that' not the route we take, but I'm sure they will have their feelers out on the potential FAs.
@"Bolstad79" said:Case would be a nice fall back option. I think we know what we have with Case. A flawed QB who can keep you competitive. And if it comes to that, if teams give Sam and Teddy ridiculous contracts, then I'd be OK with that. But if we go with Case, then QB becomes a much higher priority in the draft.@"MaroonBells" said: I have no idea who our QB is going to be next year (as I've said before, there are good arguments for and against each one), but I think the least likely candidate is Case Keenum. I agree, but they could always tag Case at the last minute and then use the 30th pick to draft QB of the future. I hope that' not the route we take, but I'm sure they will have their feelers out on the potential FAs.As I've said before, what the team thinks about Sloter will have a lot to say about what their decision is. If they truly LOVE him, then I think Bradford is going to be the guy. If they're unsure, then I think Teddy is the guy. I could be TOTALLY wrong about this, but I don't see too many scenarios where Case is the guy.
WELP.... If nothing else this loss was red meat for the rabidly anti-MN, MN sports media. Can not one news org in MN hire a sports writer who doesn't just hate every team in the state to counter all this??
@"Bolstad79" said:You never know, Baker could be there @ 30... ;)@"MaroonBells" said: I have no idea who our QB is going to be next year (as I've said before, there are good arguments for and against each one), but I think the least likely candidate is Case Keenum. I agree, but they could always tag Case at the last minute and then use the 30th pick to draft QB of the future. I hope that' not the route we take, but I'm sure they will have their feelers out on the potential FAs.
@"Tom Moore" said: Yes, one bad quarter vs New Orleans and 2 turnovers created when he lineman couldn't block and he got hit, or he forced one late just trying to make something happen.Little in the story had any evidence that the Vikings are gonna roll with Teddy. I am on record as saying, he is my least favorite of the 3 choices - I don't like to just anoint someone the starter after being out 2 years, and not being anything more than middle-of-the pack when he went down. He has skills, but both Sam and Case have shown more on the field.
Agreed. This story is complete conjecture.
Having said that, Bridgewater of course is an option. I think Zimmer loves Teddy. I also don't think the Vikings will be getting anyone like Alex Smith or Kirk Cousins. I also believe that Minnesota likes Sloter very much, which will play into the decision of what they do with Keenum/Teddy/Bradford.
@"purplefaithful" said:My gut says that when all the tape is watched Mayfield will go early to mid 1st round. What I don't understand is the hype for Josh Allen. Kiper has him #1 overall. I get the size and arm and all that. But there is one thing that you either have or you don't and it doesn't improve in the NFL: accuracy. I think Allen could be Jake Locker Jr.@"Bolstad79" said:You never know, Baker could be there @ 30... ;)@"MaroonBells" said: I have no idea who our QB is going to be next year (as I've said before, there are good arguments for and against each one), but I think the least likely candidate is Case Keenum. I agree, but they could always tag Case at the last minute and then use the 30th pick to draft QB of the future. I hope that' not the route we take, but I'm sure they will have their feelers out on the potential FAs.
@"Bolstad79" said:@"Hidalgo" said: I really don't know why Teddy or Case would want to sign with the Vikings. The organization hasn't exactly gone all in on either of them. IMO all 3 of our quarterbacks will be starters somewhere this upcoming season and it wouldn't surprise me if all 3 take their talents elsewhere So you think we're getting Cousins?I guess, but hopefully he isn' given a conract that makes him the highest paid player in the league.....
In all seriousness what does Teddy have to be sad about? I get what could make Case a little butt hurt, but he has a history before Minnesota that needs to be taken into consideration. But the only thing Teddy could be salty about is the last two weeks, but I also think it was a fair move to bring a guy like Bradford back for those 2 games.
We are mostly speculating about how Bridgewater feels, but aside from being deactivated for the playoffs, a couple of actions by the Vikings may have made him unhappy:Before someone responds with telling me how logical both those actions were as business decisions for the team - Right On, I agree! But are you certain that a 25-year-old athlete who has lived with BMOC treatment since high school does not feel that the organization owes him more than "logical business decisions"?
- Declining the 5th year option on his rookie contract.
- Openly discussing tolling his contract to keep him for a 5th year at his 4th-year salary. (I assume it was discussed even more with Bridgewater and his agent.)
He might be ticked that he wasn't automatically given "his" starting job back in the middle of this season, or he might have been POed when Bradford was brought in. A lot of fans make HUGE assumptions about how humble and selfless and devoted to the Vikings Bridgewater allegedly is.
@"Jor-El" said:@"Bolstad79" said:@"Hidalgo" said: I really don't know why Teddy or Case would want to sign with the Vikings. The organization hasn't exactly gone all in on either of them. IMO all 3 of our quarterbacks will be starters somewhere this upcoming season and it wouldn't surprise me if all 3 take their talents elsewhere So you think we're getting Cousins?I guess, but hopefully he isn' given a conract that makes him the highest paid player in the league.....
In all seriousness what does Teddy have to be sad about? I get what could make Case a little butt hurt, but he has a history before Minnesota that needs to be taken into consideration. But the only thing Teddy could be salty about is the last two weeks, but I also think it was a fair move to bring a guy like Bradford back for those 2 games.
We are mostly speculating about how Bridgewater feels, but aside from being deactivated for the playoffs, a couple of actions by the Vikings may have made him unhappy:Before someone responds with telling me how logical both those actions were as business decisions for the team - Right On, I agree! But are you certain that a 25-year-old athlete who has lived with BMOC treatment since high school does not feel that the organization owes him more than "logical business decisions"?
- Declining the 5th year option on his rookie contract.
- Openly discussing tolling his contract to keep him for a 5th year at his 4th-year salary. (I assume it was discussed even more with Bridgewater and his agent.)
He might be ticked that he wasn't automatically given "his" starting job back in the middle of this season, or he might have been POed when Bradford was brought in. A lot of fans make HUGE assumptions about how humble and selfless and devoted to the Vikings Bridgewater allegedly is.
I heard from a pretty reliable source that Teddy was OK with the contract issue last summer when all the tolling talk was taking place. things have changed, but at that time he was ok with the toll, but he wants to be the man, not a back up.
@"Jor-El" said:@"Bolstad79" said:@"Hidalgo" said: I really don't know why Teddy or Case would want to sign with the Vikings. The organization hasn't exactly gone all in on either of them. IMO all 3 of our quarterbacks will be starters somewhere this upcoming season and it wouldn't surprise me if all 3 take their talents elsewhere So you think we're getting Cousins?I guess, but hopefully he isn' given a conract that makes him the highest paid player in the league.....
In all seriousness what does Teddy have to be sad about? I get what could make Case a little butt hurt, but he has a history before Minnesota that needs to be taken into consideration. But the only thing Teddy could be salty about is the last two weeks, but I also think it was a fair move to bring a guy like Bradford back for those 2 games.
We are mostly speculating about how Bridgewater feels, but aside from being deactivated for the playoffs, a couple of actions by the Vikings may have made him unhappy:Before someone responds with telling me how logical both those actions were as business decisions for the team - Right On, I agree! But are you certain that a 25-year-old athlete who has lived with BMOC treatment since high school does not feel that the organization owes him more than "logical business decisions"?
- Declining the 5th year option on his rookie contract.
- Openly discussing tolling his contract to keep him for a 5th year at his 4th-year salary. (I assume it was discussed even more with Bridgewater and his agent.)
He might be ticked that he wasn't automatically given "his" starting job back in the middle of this season, or he might have been POed when Bradford was brought in. A lot of fans make HUGE assumptions about how humble and selfless and devoted to the Vikings Bridgewater allegedly is.
Is it possible he doesn't look that great in practice? Zimmer has seemed like Teddy's biggest fan, but he' the one that Deactivated him for Bradford. Maybe Teddy is done in Minnesota.
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