Young Theodore Bridgewater

[Mothman]

This strategy worked for the Packers, but bombed for the Redskins. You just never know. I don't think you pick a quarterback in the first round because you have an opportunity there to improve your team in other areas of need. The Packers were afforded that luxury because Favre -- presumably -- was on his way out in a few years. They knew they needed to groom a replacement. I also think that if a guy like Jameis Winston slips past the first round because of something like these character issues, then it puts the Vikings in a situation where they should seriously think about bettering their team by doubling the odds of finding your franchise guy. If anything, the guy who doesn't win the competition eventually is traded for draft picks. That's perfect world scenario though.

There's ego in play as well. Spielman and/or Norv might have convinced themselves that Teddy is the future and are putting all those eggs in that basket and are not even thinking about wasting a pick for another quarterback. There's a lot of variables in play and some you can't even prepare for right now because there's also a lot of cause and effect that change the situation. I think smart management would be open to both situations that we're going over right now, but also for things in between (free agents or trades, perhaps). I wouldn't be opposed to either, but as the weeks go on and new information is presented or determined, then I might adjust my line of thinking to one way or the other.

Thank you. This is exactly the point I'm trying to make. Vikings management should always keep an open mind about player acquisition and should always be thinking ahead, building not just to have a strong starting 22 but to have a strong 53 man roster, because you never know when someone on that bench is going to be needed.

You're right that there's ego in play as well.

Having said that: I love Teddy and have all along back to when he was at Louisville, so I'm hoping very much -- as I'm sure most here are -- that he's the one that finally pans out for the Vikings and we can put this franchise quarterback talk to bed.

I'm hoping for the same result but I'm tired of seeing the team caught with their pants down when they don't get that result so if the chance arises for them to "double down" at the QB position and improve their odds of success, I'm fully in favor of it.

[Mothman]

Exactly....an AGING QB which means this is a different situation. They also didnt draft Steve Young which also means....a different situation. There is a huge difference between a QB stepping in for an aging player compared to an injured player or even "failing" player. First of all, Teddy is not failing right now and is actually showing promise so there is one reason. Second, a QB stepping in for an aging player is usually the guy that has to take the franchise over down the road and become the starting QB. Third, stepping in for an injured player is usually temporary. They step in, Teddy comes back, and they head back to the bench. Having Cassel alone also makes it unrealistic to draft a QB early. It's not like Teddy's backup next year will be Ryan Lindley. Cassel is just fine. Actually better than most backups. So again, there is no point.

There is a point. You're simply refusing to acknowledge it. You're getting wrapped up in superficial differences between circumstances instead of looking at the bottom line, which is that if you need a good QB to step in, you need a good QB to step in. It doesn't matter how he was acquired, whether the QB in front of him was "AGING", young, injured, etc. Sometimes stepping in for an injured player is temporary, sometimes permanent, but it can make the difference between a successful season and a lost season so it matters.

It doesn't matter if Teddy is failing right now. The entire idea of putting together the best QB depth chart possible is to be prepared to meet a need when it arises, rather than waiting until it arises to react. Matt Cassel is a mediocre backup (at best) on a one year contract with no real upside. It makes sense to think further ahead than that and to be prepared if unfortunate scenarios arise, something the Vikings have repeatedly failed to do at the QB position. Imposing arbitrary rules on team-building (like saying "there is free agency and rounds 4-7 to find a viable backup") is just closing windows of opportunity. That's no way to build a successful football team.

As I've said more than once, I'm arguing about this in theory, not saying the Vikes must go out and draft a first round QB next year. For anybody who is slamming the idea, ask yourself this: if the Vikings found themselves in position to draft a player like Andrew Luck or Aaron Rodgers in the first round next year (and I don't think there is a QB like that available) would it be a "waste" for them to do so just because they've invested a season in Bridgewater? If they see the next Russell Wilson on the board in R3, should they pass on him because they haven't reached rounds 4-7 yet, and that's supposedly where you draft your backup?

[Mothman]

Pocket mobility, quick release, accuracy and defensive recognition is what makes truly great quarterbacks and not the ability to run when there's pressure. Michael Vick/Colin Kaepernick vs. Peyton Manning/Tom Brady illustrate this perfectly.

... and Rodgers illustrates the value of having a QB who can do all of it, which is probably why many are saying he's the best QB in the game right now (not sure I agree but he's certainly in the top 3).

[Pondering Her Percy]

Dude you think that Teddy could be/is a mobile a Mr. Oregon. Really Instead of talking the same crap over and over, lets just see how they both do in the Pros. Do you actually watch any of his college games? There is NO comparison between the two, night and day.IMO.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdQcqop2R-w

Yes I've seen his college games many times. Being mobile and being fast are two different things. Analysts on NFL.com are saying he's a poor mans Colin Kaepernick. He has similar play as Kaepernick with less arm strength. And the sad thing is, I would still take Bridgewater any day over Kap. They are both QBs that rely on their legs rather than their arm and bail out of the pocket way earlier than they should. So yeah you're right, there is no comparison to Teddy in that aspect. You act like he's far superior to Bridgewater which isn't the case whatsoever. You're too caught up in that offense that can't produce legitimate offensive NFL talent and the fact that he's only thrown 2 picks. Oh and the fact that he runs around for days....another thing that "doesn't" last in the NFL. You also mentioned accuracy.....well just to let you know, Teddy's comp % at Louisville was 71.0 and Mr. Oregons is 68.3. Yet you complain about Teddys accuracy??! The only difference in the two is the running aspect which I don't want anyways because according to recent history, they don't mature into legitimate NFL QBs. Ill pass and leave it at that

[Pondering Her Percy]

There is a point. You're simply refusing to acknowledge it. You're getting wrapped up in superficial differences between circumstances instead of looking at the bottom line, which is that if you need a good QB to step in, you need a good QB to step in. It doesn't matter how he was acquired, whether the QB in front of him was "AGING", young, injured, etc. Sometimes stepping in for an injured player is temporary, sometimes permanent, but it can make the difference between a successful season and a lost season so it matters.

It doesn't matter if Teddy is failing right now. The entire idea of putting together the best QB depth chart possible is to be prepared to meet a need when it arises, rather than waiting until it arises to react. Matt Cassel is a mediocre backup (at best) on a one year contract with no real upside. It makes sense to think further ahead than that and to be prepared if unfortunate scenarios arise, something the Vikings have repeatedly failed to do at the QB position. Imposing arbitrary rules on team-building (like saying "there is free agency and rounds 4-7 to find a viable backup") is just closing windows of opportunity. That's no way to build a successful football team.

As I've said more than once, I'm arguing about this in theory, not saying the Vikes must go out and draft a first round QB next year. For anybody who is slamming the idea, ask yourself this: if the Vikings found themselves in position to draft a player like Andrew Luck or Aaron Rodgers in the first round next year (and I don't think there is a QB like that available) would it be a "waste" for them to do so just because they've invested a season in Bridgewater? If they see the next Russell Wilson on the board in R3, should they pass on him because they haven't reached rounds 4-7 yet, and that's supposedly where you draft your backup?

I DO understand you're point. We need to get a young guy that has some upside to put behind Teddy and Cassel. I've never once said we didn't. I'm simply saying, we need to roll with Teddy right now and fill other needs in early rounds. No matter who is available, we need to fill those needs. So IMO, drafting a QB early is a waste with a YOUNG promising QB already on the roster. So in turn, I will say agree to disagree because we are doing nothing but beating a dead horse at this point.

[J. Kapp 11]

Yes I've seen his college games many times. Being mobile and being fast are two different things. Analysts on NFL.com are saying he's a poor mans Colin Kaepernick. He has similar play as Kaepernick with less arm strength. And the sad thing is, I would still take Bridgewater any day over Kap. They are both QBs that rely on their legs rather than their arm and bail out of the pocket way earlier than they should. So yeah you're right, there is no comparison to Teddy in that aspect.

I would take Teddy over Kap every day of the week and twice on Sunday. My perception is that Kap has all the physical tools but not a lot of brains. Since his mercurial run as a rookie, he hasn't done much. That tells me the NFL has caught up, and he/the 49ers haven't -- or can't -- adjust.

Mariota, on the other hand, is renowned for his football and other IQ. While he may not have Kap's elite arm strength, it's still strong, and his release is quicker, smoother, and more accurate. I could very easily see him turning into a Rodgers type QB, assuming he pans out.

We have Teddy, and like most of us, I believe there's a ton of potential there. He has really shown me something. Anytime a rookie shows real improvement during his rookie season, that says something about his long-term prospects. No one knows for sure, but a couple of years from now, we might really have something special. I do agree with Jim, however, that we need to make sure we have quality depth. Whether that's Cassell or someone else, you need a quality backup and a solid development-type third stringer. As the Arizona Cardinals are finding out, crazy things happen in this league. It would be a real shame to have a great season, only to have it derailed completely because your one good QB goes down.

[Pondering Her Percy]

I would take Teddy over Kap every day of the week and twice on Sunday. My perception is that Kap has all the physical tools but not a lot of brains. Since his mercurial run as a rookie, he hasn't done much. That tells me the NFL has caught up, and he/the 49ers haven't -- or can't -- adjust.

Mariota, on the other hand, is renowned for his football and other IQ. While he may not have Kap's elite arm strength, it's still strong, and his release is quicker, smoother, and more accurate. I could very easily see him turning into a Rodgers type QB, assuming he pans out.

We have Teddy, and like most of us, I believe there's a ton of potential there. He has really shown me something. Anytime a rookie shows real improvement during his rookie season, that says something about his long-term prospects. No one knows for sure, but a couple of years from now, we might really have something special. I do agree with Jim, however, that we need to make sure we have quality depth. Whether that's Cassell or someone else, you need a quality backup and a solid development-type third stringer. As the Arizona Cardinals are finding out, crazy things happen in this league. It would be a real shame to have a great season, only to have it derailed completely because your one good QB goes down.

I agree about the backup situation but I would still be fairly comfortable with Cassel going in for Teddy in case of injury. I would also like to get a developmental 3rd stringer as well. It's not like we have Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley on this team. I would take Cassel any day over Stanton and I would take a high school QB over Lindley. We have one piece in Cassel who is actually a very important piece because he is a vet that can help Teddy along. Now we need to find that developmental guy. However, I don't believe you need to draft a 1st rounder to find a developmental guy obviously. Who has being in the situation we are?? Not many if any at all. There are many different ways to approach that

[Ardenn]

[quote="J. Kapp 11]We have Teddy, and like most of us, I believe there's a ton of potential there. He has really shown me something. Anytime a rookie shows real improvement during his rookie season, that says something about his long-term prospects. No one knows for sure, but a couple of years from now, we might really have something special. I do agree with Jim, however, that we need to make sure we have quality depth. Whether that's Cassell or someone else, you need a quality backup and a solid development-type third stringer. As the Arizona Cardinals are finding out, crazy things happen in this league. It would be a real shame to have a great season, only to have it derailed completely because your one good QB goes down.[/quote]

Are the Cardinals really a good example? Using them as an example, what if they used their first rounder on Teddy instead of Deone Bucannon? You could say it would even make sense since Carson Palmer isn't young. However, then they would have a UDFA starting at SS all year. Do you win as many games as they have if they do that?
I don't care if you had three first round picks and used all of them on quarterbacks, if you lose your first two quarterbacks, your season is flushed. Saying that scenario is a good example of why you need to burn top picks on quarterbacks is silly.

[Purple bruise]

Yes I've seen his college games many times. Being mobile and being fast are two different things. Analysts on NFL.com are saying he's a poor mans Colin Kaepernick. He has similar play as Kaepernick with less arm strength. And the sad thing is, I would still take Bridgewater any day over Kap. They are both QBs that rely on their legs rather than their arm and bail out of the pocket way earlier than they should. So yeah you're right, there is no comparison to Teddy in that aspect. You act like he's far superior to Bridgewater which isn't the case whatsoever. You're too caught up in that offense that can't produce legitimate offensive NFL talent and the fact that he's only thrown 2 picks. Oh and the fact that he runs around for days....another thing that "doesn't" last in the NFL. You also mentioned accuracy.....well just to let you know, Teddy's comp % at Louisville was 71.0 and Mr. Oregons is 68.3. Yet you complain about Teddys accuracy??! The only difference in the two is the running aspect which I don't want anyways because according to recent history, they don't mature into legitimate NFL QBs. Ill pass and leave it at that

I got a kick out of you comparing TB's college comp % 71 to 68.3= 2.7%. 3700 yds. 38 tds and three ints. so far this year and his team is 12-1. Let's do compare college careers. Mr. Oregon just receive three of the most prestigous awards a player can garner and soon will be named the Heisman winner. The Walter Camp Award, the Maxwell Award (most oustanding college player) and the Davey O'brien award.
And yet you insist that the "talking heads" do not think too much of him

[Ardenn]

I got a kick out of you comparing TB's college comp % 71 to 68.3= 2.7%. 3700 yds. 38 tds and three ints. so far this year and his team is 12-1. Let's do compare college careers. Mr. Oregon just receive three of the most prestigous awards a player can garner and soon will be named the Heisman winner. The Walter Camp Award, the Maxwell Award (most oustanding college player) and the Davey O'brien award.
And yet you insist that the "talking heads" do not think too much of him

You'll have to wait a year or two to find out if you're right. The argument up until that time is pretty pointless.
The only argument I see here with any possible merit is college spread system qb vs pro-style qb.

[Purple bruise]

You'll have to wait a year or two to find out if you're right. The argument up until that time is pretty pointless.
The only argument I see here with any possible merit is college spread system qb vs pro-style qb.

I have posted the same thing that only time will tell. I have also said that I like TB and have seen him improve vastly as the year has progressed and I am in his corner and hopeful that he can lead this team.
I did apparently misspoke (according to some) when I stated my opinion that If Mr. Oregon somehow came available and the Vikes could draft him then I would be all for that. I think TB can be a good QB but I see star qualities in mr. Oregon that far exceeds what I see in TB.
Here is hoping for TB's continued improvement and as far as Mr. Oregon there is not a snopwball's chance in hell that he gets past the first 5-10 picks.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Well, there's a difference between mobility and speed. Teddy is very mobile in the pocket, but he isn't matching Mariota's speed.

He doesn't need Mariota's speed cause he can pass IN the pocket, you know, like a lot of the elite passers have. Why would we want an option QB with Turner here. We need a #1 WR or G/OT so much more. Its like comparing a Kia to a BMW. Cant believe this discussion is going on. Get a Vet/Cassel, and then grab a QB late in the 5th-7th rounds.

[PacificNorseWest]

He doesn't need Mariota's speed cause he can pass IN the pocket, you know, like a lot of the elite passers have. Why would we want an option QB with Turner here. We need a #1 WR or G/OT so much more. Its like comparing a Kia to a BMW. Cant believe this discussion is going on. Get a Vet/Cassel, and then grab a QB late in the 5th-7th rounds.

That was in direct to response to a poster mentioning that Mariota is much more mobile than Bridgewater. I was clarifying the difference, but thanks for taking it out of context. I'm perfectly content with Teddy and his pocket mobility, as my posts reflect that. I agree with your last sentence, so I'm not entirely sure why your post is so snarky towards mine.

[PurpleKoolaid]

That was in direct to response to a poster mentioning that Mariota is much more mobile than Bridgewater. I was clarifying the difference, but thanks for taking it out of context. I'm perfectly content with Teddy and his pocket mobility, as my posts reflect that. I agree with your last sentence, so I'm not entirely sure why your post is so snarky towards mine.

Ah, I wasn't trying to be snarky, now that I have re-read it again, I agree with you. I don't understand what some of the others are saying. I cant remember the last time I saw a team draft a QB in the first round, that showed progress, and at times greatness, the more he played, and then the same team drafts another QB right away the next year. When the previous drafted QB isn't hurt. We certainly have to develop one, since hopefully #7 is gone, but Im sure Cassel is back. Maybe spend a little money on McCoy or Cousins. Something like that. But for heavens sake, we don't go first rd. back to back QBs. No one even knows what the Duck's QB would look like in the pro's. Its kind funny, those here thinking Mariota should be drafted, are the same people saying we should stick with Ponder the longest, and the last thing they wanted to see was a read option QB.

[Pondering Her Percy]

He doesn't need Mariota's speed cause he can pass IN the pocket, you know, like a lot of the elite passers have. Why would we want an option QB with Turner here. We need a #1 WR or G/OT so much more. Its like comparing a Kia to a BMW. Cant believe this discussion is going on. Get a Vet/Cassel, and then grab a QB late in the 5th-7th rounds.

I've been saying the same thing. Trust me, some just don't understand. The only examples anyone can find are Favre/Rodgers and Montana/Young which are completely different situations. Neither Favre nor Montana were young and needed to be replaced sooner rather than later. We have a guy that's played 9 games and is showing great progress yet, we're having first round QB talk??

I'm willing to bet my house that the Vikings don't touch a QB in round 1 or 2. Even 3 for that matter. And in turn, it will be for the better because 1.) it's not needed that early and 2.) we will be able to the fill HOLES that we need to. That's how confident I am. Any takers?