The only franchise quarterback in the Vikings' long history is Fran Tarkenton, who was the primary starter over 13 seasons from 1961 to '66 and 1972 to '78. Since then, the Vikings have struggled to find a long-term solution at that position, but it seems like they might have the answer in second-year starter Teddy Bridgewater.
The Vikings' struggles at quarterback have been well-documented. After Tarkenton, the next longest streak of seasons as the team's primary starter belongs to Tommy Kramer, who started nine or more games seven times between 1979 and '86.
In the past 20 seasons, the Vikings have used 18 starting quarterbacks. The longest streak of consecutive seasons as a starter over those 20 years is Daunte Culpepper's run of six seasons, from 2000 to '05. Without question, the Vikings have not had a franchise quarterback during that stretch.
That kind of inconsistency has hurt the franchise. By comparison, the Packers have used only five starting quarterbacks in the past 20 seasons, and three of those five played in 2013 when Aaron Rodgers was injured.
Yes, the Vikings have to believe Bridgewater is finally the kind of player that can become a long-term leader at quarterback. Last season the rookie started 12 games, completed 259 of 402 passes for 2,919 yards with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, getting better with each game.
Despite his somewhat slow start, he still finished with an 85.2 passer rating, which is the highest of any Vikings quarterback since Brett Favre's 107.2 in his record-setting season in 2009 when he took the team to the NFC Championship Game.
Bridgewater talked recently about changes he has noticed so far this season around the club.
"It's a totally different team," he said. "Nothing in this league stays the same, so it's a team that's excited to play and we can't wait to get out there."