The Inevitable Teddy vs. Bradford Narrative is Starting…
Joe Johnson
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Now, I know a lot of people don’t read newspapers anymore, and I guess I could be take responsibility for my role in that. So, I wanted to shout out the Star Tribune piece about this topic, which was written by Matt Vensel (Someone I respect, a lot). The Strib is amazing and you definitely should check out his full article by clicking HERE, if you haven’t already. With that said, let’s delve into Vensel’s piece to see what it means or rather, if it’s the start of what will become the greatest (By every definition of the word) QB controversy in Vikings history.
The reason I say that is because there is a contingent of Vikings fans that LOVE Teddy Bridgewater. Luke Braun, a Senior writer for this site and co-host of our amazing purpleJOURNAL Podcast is an analytical guy. But, even he says that he has an emotional (And thus, irrational (By definition, Sorry Luke!)) connection to Teddy that goes beyond the rational. That’s essentially how I felt about Randy Moss, so I understand, but I do think that there’s a stark difference between someone like Moss and someone like Bridgewater. That being said, I also understand that this is an organization that hasn’t drafted/developed a young quarterback since Fran Tarkenton (Culpepper doesn’t count, to me). So, the need to have an elite QB that isn’t approaching 40 is overlapping with people’s expectations for Bridgewater.
Vensel understands this. That’s why he titled an article that was really just about Bradford saying he respects Teddy into an article that implies an oncoming QB Controversy. So, I’ll try to avoid that subject as much as possible, as I’ve gotten absolutely destroyed on site’s like Reddit for stating my opinion of Bridgewater (That he’s got potential but isn’t “there” yet). Instead, I’ll just post what Bradford said about the subject and let you guys interpret it yourselves…
On that subject, Bradford said:
“You’re always trying to earn your spot, I think in this business you have to step on the field every day and prove it regardless of where you’re at or who you are.”
And:
“It really doesn’t change my approach, I really haven’t even thought about it to be honest with you. So it kind of is what it is and you just approach it one day at a time. My goal is to come each day and get better and that’s how I’m always going to be.”
On Teddy’s injury/rehab and how he relates because of his twice torn ACL’s:
“Obviously, I’ve been there, I’ve gone through it. I know how tough it is physically and mentally. And to see him and how hard he’s working and the things he’s doing, I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
We all know that the controversy is coming. It’s inevitable. Unless, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman does something drastic like trading Teddy or Bradford before they’re both vying for the same spot. Of course, if Bradford builds on the career year he had last season, this conversation may be over before it begins. But, it’s safe to say, that it’s already starting and so we have to strap in and get ready for a ton of Teddy vs. Bradford content, especially if Bradford struggles this season (Which, I really don’t think he will). At the end of the day, though, this is a good “problem” to have and something that we as Vikings fans haven’t experienced before. So, I’m not complaining. Much. Yet.
I am really interested in what you guys think. If you put a gun to my head and asked me to say which I’d take… Honestly, it’d be Bradford. I think that he’s got the better deep ball and is more of an established pocket passer. I also worry about the lingering effect Teddy’s injury will have as a lot of players that come back from bad injuries to their leg end up thinking about it too much or not putting enough weight on it. I just read something in USA Today that said Teddy is struggling with “Lateral movement” in his leg, which makes sense considering it almost fell off. So, I’d take Bradford and think that he’s going to have a monster season this year, to be honest. So, I know, I jumped into the argument. I couldn’t help myself… But, what do you guys think? Let us know below or on Facebook, Twitter or by going outside and screaming as loud as you can!