NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons the Minnesota Vikings still make it
By Adam Cox
2. Sam Bradford
Sam Bradford’s arm talent has never been in question. His failures in St. Louis and Philadelphia were mainly due to an inability to remain healthy and lack of talent surrounding him. Thus far Bradford has been able to stay relatively healthy in Minnesota, and despite a supporting cast which leaves something to be desired, he has been a quality starter for the Vikings.
In fact, despite being added to the team right before the start of the regular season, Bradford has been an upgrade at the position for the Vikings. His 71.2 percent completion percentage ranks second in the NFL. His three interceptions are the third fewest in the NFL among quarterbacks with more than 300 pass attempts. And his passer rating of 97.5 is a very respectable 12th overall.
While Bradford’s yards per game, yards per attempt, and average air distance are less than impressive, much of this can be attributed to the Vikings’ less than impressive offensive talent.
Offensive line injuries have severely limited the Vikings’ offensive game plans and the ability of Bradford to really show all that of which he is capable. When given time to throw Bradford has demonstrated why he was the #1 overall pick. Bradford has the arm strength, accuracy and acumen to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Sam Bradford may not be the franchise quarterback he was once proclaimed, but without his ability to get rid of the ball quickly and accurately the Vikings offense might be even worse.