Bridgewater targets 'over 70 percent' as completion goal

Here's a trivia question to stump even the most die-hard Purple fan:

What is the preseason record for quarterback completion percentage? (Yes, the team keeps preseason records)

Answer: Rich Gannon (1992) 71.7.

But you better use that one quickly because the Vikings have not one, but two guys chasing that number this preseason. Yes, it's very exciting.

Teddy Bridgewater is at 78.6 percent. His backup, Shaun Hill, is at 73.1 percent.

"Right now, I am in the position where I'm just the guy who distributes the football," Bridgewater said after Saturday night's 20-12 win over the Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. "Whether that is throwing a hitch route or a flare out of the backfield, I want to be perfect. That's the mindset, but no one is every going to be perfect."

There's no question the NFL as a whole is becoming a more precise passing league. Ken Anderson's completion percentage of 70.6 stood alone as the single-season record from 1982 until Drew Brees tied it in 2009. Brees then bettered that mark in 2011 (71.2).

The Vikings' single-season record is 69.2 by Daunte Culpepper in 2004. That also ranks tied for ninth in league history with, yep, Drew Brees.

Bridgewater said the goal in offensive coordinator Norv Turner's system is higher than 70 percent.

"Something always comes up, the receiver could slip running a route or you could get hit throwing the ball, but I think we try to aim to be over 70 percent in the quarterback room," he said. "That's one of our goals. We take pride in completion percentage, we take pride in taking care of the football and commanding the offense. It's going to be a fun year. I have a ton of weapons at my exposure; and I can't wait to get everyone going."