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Minnesota Vikings 2015 Training Camp Profile: QB Teddy Bridgewater

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Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

There’s a lot of talk about the Minnesota Vikings being a legitimate playoff contender in 2015, and it’s all stemming from the promise of sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. If the Vikings are going to be successful this upcoming season, they need the 2014 first-round pick to play up to this potential.

A big sophomore season for Bridgewater starts during training camp, when he’ll have the opportunity to build on what he learned as a rookie and continue to develop chemistry with his receivers.

As a rookie, Bridgewater put up extremely impressive numbers despite less-than-ideal circumstances. Without Adrian Peterson or a true No. 1 receiver, the former Louisville star connected on 64.4 percent of his passes for 2,919 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Although he struggled with staying healthy due to his thin frame, but showed poise beyond his years and an ability to create with his feet when the pocket broke down.

All and all, it was a 2014 campaign that gave the Vikings hope for a brighter future.

Now, with 12 starts under his belt, expect big things out of Bridgewater in 2015. He’s had an entire offseason as the starting quarterback, and the Minnesota offense boasts a much wider arsenal of weapons for the young gunslinger to work with.

Speaking of weapons, Bridgewater will certainly enjoying handing off to Peterson in 2015 as the All-Pro running back takes pressure off of the passing game. Even when he is asked to step back and throw, Bridgewater will have the pleasure of tossing the pigskin to speedster Mike Wallace, who the Vikings acquired this offseason from the Miami Dolphins. Charles Johnson is also coming off a breakout season and should be ready to thrive as Bridgewater’s go-to target.

Even Kyle Rudolph, Jarius Wright and Cordarrelle Patterson should see significant targets as the Vikings expand their passing attack.

Bridgewater won’t face competition during training camp, but has a solid veteran backup in Shaun Hill providing support in the No. 2 role.

This season has all the makings of a Pro Bowl campaign for Bridgewater. If all goes as planned and he can stay healthy, the Vikings might just make their first trip to the postseason since 2012.

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