The Minnesota Vikings hoped to bring rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater along slowly this season.
But when starting quarterback Matt Cassel suffered a broken foot against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Bridgewater was pressed into service. He completed 12 of 20 passes for 150 yards and had a passer rating of 83.3.
Bridgewater, who starred at Louisville, was selected by the Vikings in the first round (32nd overall) of the NFL draft, and he will make his first NFL start against the Falcons on Sunday.
Here’s what he had to see to the Atlanta media during a conference call Wednesday:
Q: How are you preparing for your first start in the NFL?
A: I'm just going to prepare like it's the first game. For me, just the opponent changes. I'm just going to try to have a good week of practice and make the best of it.
Q: How tough was it taking over in the middle of the game against the Saints?
A: Going into all of the games prior to that game, my mindset was just to always stay ready. Being the backup, your number can be called at any time. In the game, I was just ready in case anything happened. Unfortunately, Matt went down.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Falcons’ defense this year?
A: The Atlanta Falcons have a great defense. Those guys, I was able to catch them (on national TV against Tampa Bay on Sept. 18). They have a high intensity defense. They have guys that fly around, and they are just shutting down wide receivers.
Q: What are the keys to scoring against their defense?
A: As far as scoring, the biggest thing is that we have to score touchdowns when we get down in the red zone. We have to take advantage of each opportunity, whether it's a big play. In the run game, we just have to do a good job across the board and try to put some points on the board.
Q: The Vikings have been going through a lot of adversity this year, with Peterson being out and some major injuries, how are you all handling the situation?
A: We are all handling it in a great way. Throughout the season, you're going to have to overcome obstacles and you're going to have adversity. I think the guys have been doing a great job of trying to overcome the adversity that has presented itself.
Q: How is the pro game different from the college game for you?
A: For me, just being in my own locker room, just seeing the guys come in the locker room each day, it's so different. The guys come in focused. You are talking about veterans who have been in the league for a while now and have to provide for their families. They approach each day in a professional manner.
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