The distance between Matt Cassel and rookie Teddy Bridgewater for the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback job appears to be growing.
Bridgewater struggled during the reps he did take on Monday, throwing three interceptions -- two as a backup in 11-on-11s -- and nearly a fourth that a defensive back dropped.
The recent disappointments have quelled the groundswell of optimism surrounding the rookie signal-caller.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said prior to Monday's practice he would talk with coaches Tuesday about how the team will disperse the quarterback's play against the Arizona Cardinals. Cassel will get the start, but how much he'll play and whether Bridgewater gets more reps with the first-team offense remains to be seen.
"(Offensive coordinator Norv Turner) and I already have talked and we kind of have a plan,'' Zimmer said, per the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "But nobody else knows but me and him.''
Bridgewater is clearly the team's future and at some point these last few days will be seen as nothing more than a minor speed bump in his ascent to the starting job. However, his recent struggles could be another sign that the Vikings will start the season with Cassel under the helm.
*The latest Around The League Podcast highlights the winners and losers from the first week of preseason action. *
