The Vikings appear content to let Matt Cassel start if necessary.
And Teddy Bridgewater said that if that’s necessary, he’s OK with it.
The rookie quarterback will undoubtedly get his chance to be the Vikings starter at some point, but Bridgewater said if that isn’t Week One, he understands.
“It’s not tough at all because I have nothing but my best interest for the team,” Bridgewater said, via Master Tesfatsion of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “And I’m very excited about this team that we have here. . . .
“If I’m not the guy then I know the coaches have the best interest for the team also. My teammates also have the best interest for the team. So in order for me to be a better player, I have to have the best interest for the team and want nothing but the best interest for the team.”
While a bit robotic of an answer (I think he has the best interest of the team), it’s also in his best interest.
The Vikings are comfortable enough with Cassel as a bridge, so Bridgewater is wise to get himself up to speed to compete when he gets the chance. They’ve burned talented first-rounders before by throwing them in before they’re ready (Josh Freeman), and after striking out on Christian Ponder, they can’t afford another miss.