Teddy Bridgewater's late-game heroics against the Arizona Cardinals haven't altered the picture under center for the Minnesota Vikings.
Coach Mike Zimmer told reporters on Monday that veteran Matt Casselwill start the team's third preseason game on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, per Ben Goessling of ESPN.com.
It's the decision we expected after Cassel held his own against Arizona on Saturday night with an outstanding 12-of-16 passing performance for 153 yards and a touchdown toss.
Bridgewater's successful one-minute drive turned heads, though, with Zimmer saying the rookie might see time with the first team after Cassel takes a seat. Minnesota's first-round pick hasn't been ruled out as the opening day starter, but Bridgewater needs another big game -- combined with a Cassel meltdown -- to overtake the veteran.
Among the NFL's "bridge" quarterbacks, Cassel leads the way over the likes of Brian Hoyer and Chad Henne. He's been a sound passer in play-caller Norv Turner's air-heavy scheme and remains a safe choice to open the year when Minnesota takes on the St. Louis Rams in Week 1.
Vikings fans can bask in their bright, new world: Cassel is a serviceable option under center until the team feels comfortable handing over the controls to their promising quarterback of the future.
The latest "Around the League Podcast" talks quarterback battles and debates the gang's preseason power rankings.
