Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was set up to feast in his return Sunday to U.S. Bank Stadium, where he last started an exhibition game for the Vikings in 2016, with an array of veteran skill players more refined, if not more talented, than the Vikings' current crop of corners.
But the quick-throwing Bridgewater looked anything but the part of a franchise savior during the Vikings' 28-27 win, in part, because the Vikings defense took away many of the quick throws and yards after the catch that are foundational to the Panthers offense.
Bridgewater had his worst completion rate (52.8%) and second-lowest passer rating (74.7) of the season. He also missed a potential game-winning touchdown when the aforementioned young Vikings corners busted a coverage.
Mike Zimmer will take it. There were signs of improvement from young defenders like cornerback Jeff Gladney… even if they almost surrendered another game-losing touchdown like the losses against Seattle and Dallas.
"They seem to be understanding the schemes a little bit more," Zimmer said Monday. "I'm talking about basically the young guys. Some of these young guys are starting to improve. D.J. Wonnum's starting to get better and better, and I think he's going to be a good player. The two corners, [Jeff] Gladney and [Cameron] Dantzler, and really, Chris Jones and [Kris] Boyd have come in and played pretty well."
1. Entering Sunday, only three quarterbacks — Roethlisberger, Rivers and Stafford — were getting the ball out faster than Bridgewater at an average of 2.42 seconds, according to Pro Football Focus.
Making Bridgewater hold the ball was a top Vikings priority, which meant taking away the schemed quick throws. Panthers coordinator Joe Brady calls one on the opening third down.
In this must-have play, Gladney (#20) is in the crosshairs as Panthers receiver D.J. Moore (#12) motions before the snap next to receiver Robby Anderson (#11). This puts Gladney in potential conflict as his job is to identify the No. 2 receiver (counting from the sideline toward the ball). First it's Anderson in the slot, and it becomes Moore when he motions and crosses inside on a quick curl route.