Jul 25, 2014; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) and quarterback Matt Cassel (16) and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) await drills at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Congratulations, Matt Cassel! You’re the next quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings … for now.
Cassel, a nine-year NFL veteran, heads up a group of Vikings quarterbacks that also includes 2013 first-round choice Teddy Bridgewater, as well as 2011 first-rounder Christian Ponder. Minnesota will try to find an answer at the position within this group, and ultimately a complement to superstar running back Adrian Peterson, something the team has struggled to find for several years. The Vikings’ passing game finished 23rd in the league in passing yards in 2013 and struggled to a 5-10-1 record.
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A big reason for the Vikings’ struggles in the passing game — outside of having an elite-level quarterback — has been their lack of a go-to, true No. 1 wide receiver. Minnesota has not had a dominant receiver since Randy Moss and has pieced together its receiving corps with overpaid free agents and outcasts from other teams. Former Green Bay Packer Greg Jennings will lead the 2014 Vikings receivers, which — fortunately for Minnesota — also features rising star Cordarelle Patterson. Patterson may finally be the answer for the team in the passing game, but will need to establish himself as a true pass catcher this season, rather than just a glorified return man.
It’s no secret as to what the Vikings have at running back. Peterson, even as he approaches the wrong side of 30, remains an elite running back and can help alleviate the pressure from Cassel. However, Cassel — and the rest of the Minnesota quarterbacks — will still need to perform a high level and get the absolute most out of an otherwise mid-level talent offense.
Minnesota Vikings 2014 Outlook: As previously mentioned, Cassel will be the Vikings’ starting quarterback to start 2014. However, if and when the Vikings begin to falter, they should look to Bridgewater for a potential boost. Minnesota won’t likely be competing for a playoff spot this season, so they need to look to Bridgewater and Patterson to give them a solid glimpse of what the future may hold for them. Peterson’s time in Minnesota is likely coming to an end and the team needs to get the most out of its other offensive positions in the meantime.