Mike Zimmer: Sam Bradford has 'earned the right' to continue as Vikings' starting QB
Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer called quarterback Sam Bradford “remarkable,” adding he’s done enough to earn the long-term job, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
“He’s earned the right to be the starting quarterback,” Zimmer said Tuesday during his season-ending press conference. “Right now, all I’m worried about is Teddy [Bridgewater] getting better.”
The Vikings’ twisting-and-turning odd season began with Bridgewater hopeful for a breakout year in his third NFL season and ended with Bradford playing behind eight different offensive line combinations in 15 starts.
Bradford, whom the Vikings dealt a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick for in a trade with Philadelphia, set the single-season completion record (71.6%) in a limited offense. Though his play was far from the 28th-ranked offense’s biggest issues as the running game was one of the worst in franchise history.
Bradford, who turned 29 in November, is under contract next season. Though the Vikings could lock him up long-term given the uncertainty of Bridgewater’s return to football.
Bridgewater, the 32nd-overall selection in 2014, suffered a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments during a non-contact, routine practice drill Aug. 30. He’s been spotted walking around the sideline and locker room a few months into his recovery. He has so far declined interview requests.
“[Bridgewater] comes in here every single day, busts his rear end and I just want him to get better right now,” Zimmer said. “We’ll worry about all those things later. Sam has done remarkable the things he’s done this year and all the things he’s had to do.”
When asked to elaborate on Bridgewater’s injury, Zimmer said “I don’t know all the medical terms.” The team has stated Bridgewater’s ACL was torn, among other ligament damage.
Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer called quarterback Sam Bradford “remarkable,” adding he’s done enough to earn the long-term job, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
“He’s earned the right to be the starting quarterback,” Zimmer said Tuesday during his season-ending press conference. “Right now, all I’m worried about is Teddy [Bridgewater] getting better.”
The Vikings’ twisting-and-turning odd season began with Bridgewater hopeful for a breakout year in his third NFL season and ended with Bradford playing behind eight different offensive line combinations in 15 starts.
Bradford, whom the Vikings dealt a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick for in a trade with Philadelphia, set the single-season completion record (71.6%) in a limited offense. Though his play was far from the 28th-ranked offense’s biggest issues as the running game was one of the worst in franchise history.
Bradford, who turned 29 in November, is under contract next season. Though the Vikings could lock him up long-term given the uncertainty of Bridgewater’s return to football.
Bridgewater, the 32nd-overall selection in 2014, suffered a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments during a non-contact, routine practice drill Aug. 30. He’s been spotted walking around the sideline and locker room a few months into his recovery. He has so far declined interview requests.
“[Bridgewater] comes in here every single day, busts his rear end and I just want him to get better right now,” Zimmer said. “We’ll worry about all those things later. Sam has done remarkable the things he’s done this year and all the things he’s had to do.”
When asked to elaborate on Bridgewater’s injury, Zimmer said “I don’t know all the medical terms.” The team has stated Bridgewater’s ACL was torn, among other ligament damage.
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