3 reasons why Teddy Bridgewater will return better than ever

#1) Bridgewater has a high football IQ

Despite the fact that injury took away his knee, one thing that cannot be taken from Bridgewater is his football IQ, which has long been his greatest weapon. He is a smart play caller and pass thrower, who has shown a noticeable development curve in each season of his career thus far. It was his development as a passer that allowed the Vikings offense to expand beyond just being the “Adrian Peterson Show”, and it has been this element that has allowed him to so quickly blend his natural athletic ability into opening up opportunities down field.

Bridgewater does not rely on a cannon of an arm to make plays; rather he learns defenses and then exposes matchups. For his career, he has posted a completion percentage of 65% or greater in both of his first two seasons, which proves is acumen to understanding the game is strong. No other QB drafted along with Bridgewater can boast that number yet, nor can they claim the 17 victories that he has accumulated thus far as a starter.

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Bridgewater’s greatest asset along the road to recovery is his attention to detail and feel for the game. While the path to rebuilding his strength –and comfort zone— will be lined with challenges, he has an understanding for the game that he can still continue to hone from the sideline, in tape review and in meetings that will allow him to continue to improve while being inactive.