Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: Week 12 Keys to Victory
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws the ball after being pressured by Chicago Bears outside linebacker Shea McClellin (50) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
2. Rattle Teddy Bridgewater
Since his incredible Week 4 performance against the Atlanta Falcons, Teddy Bridgewater has not struck much fear into the hearts of defenders. Completing 60.9% of his passes, the rookie has thrown 4 TD’s and 6 INT’s, struggling to move his decision-making process up to the speed required at the NFL level.
Let’s be fair to Teddy Bridgewater. When the Minnesota Vikings drafted him, they envisioned him behind a strong OL with a strong LT, handing the football off to the best running back on the planet and hitting big targets out wide in TE Kyle Rudolph and WR Cordarrelle Patterson. That hasn’t happened.
The Vikings OL has been a bit of a mess, allowing 32 sacks so far, but some of that can still be attributed to the rookie’s indecision. Adrian Peterson is likely gone for good, while Kyle Rudolph spent much of the season injured, and Cordarrelle Patterson has fallen miles short of the great expectations that surrounded him entering 2014.
What does this mean for the Green Bay Packers? It’s time to rush the passer. The Packers should trust Tramon Williams and Sam Shields to manage Patterson and Greg Jennings, so don’t be surprised if Green Bay pressures Bridgewater heavy and often, especially if their offense can hand them a lead.
Dom Capers is known for his complex defensive schemes, and often saves certain packages for later in the season. What better target for a previously-unseen blitz than a rookie QB?
Long-term, I like Teddy Bridgewater. I don’t believe he can be a top QB in the NFL by any means, but surrounded by the right talent, he could make a difference. On Sunday, though, he’s more likely to be surrounded by the talent of the Green Bay Packers’ defense.