Heading into the 2015 NFL season, it was easy to see why many, including myself, expected a breakout year for Minnesota Vikings sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. In a rookie season in which he had a less talented group of pass-catchers and no Adrian Peterson, Bridgewater showed off an uncommon amount of poise for a young QB.
In 13 games last year, the 2014 first-round pick completed 64.4 percent of his passes while throwing for 2,919 yards with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Over his last five games, Bridgewater upped his completion rate to 71.1 percent while averaging 246 passing yards. As such, he was a very popular sleeper pick in fantasy football this offseason.
Given the improved offensive talent around him, many thought Bridgewater would carry the momentum into 2015. However, the young QB hasn't flashed consistently this season, despite an impressive performance this past weekend.
"Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater set a personal best with 32 fantasy points, surpassing his 22 scored in Week 4 of 2014, which was also his first career NFL start," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Tristan H. Cockcroft wrote. "His big day increased his season total to 175 fantasy points, exceeding his rookie-year total of 169. Still, it's difficult to look at Bridgewater's sophomore NFL campaign as anything but a disappointment. Even with his performance Sunday, his per-game average is 12.5 fantasy points, beneath his 13.0 average as a rookie. At no point this season, in fact, has Bridgewater's per-game average exceeded his 2014 number."
This season, Bridgewater is completing 66.3 percent of his passes and has thrown for 2,964 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has just two multi-TD throw games on the year and has crossed the 300-yard passing mark just twice all season. He does, however, have three scores on the ground.
Ultimately, the Vikings rely on their eighth ranked scoring defense (19.4) and their fifth ranked rushing offense (131.6) to win games and less on their young quarterback. With a 9-5 record, they obviously must be doing something right.
