The Minnesota Vikings' downfield passing attack has been virtually nonexistent for the past few weeks, leading many to wonder if the team has the tools necessary right now to stretch the field.
However, per ESPN.com's Ben Goessling, the Vikings remain convinced that they can fix what ever is broken right now:
The Vikings contend it can; they feel like Teddy Bridgewater throws the deep ball well enough to succeed in the NFL, and they say he hits downfield throws in practice. There are a few things that need to be fixed, though. First, the Vikings need to protect Bridgewater better; he won't have time to work downfield if he's evading pass-rushers within a couple seconds. They also need their receivers to do a better job of gaining separation, and lastly, Bridgewater's downfield accuracy needs to improve. He's still learning to trust himself on deep throws, and there have been too many times where he's not giving himself a split-second to set his feet and put the ball where it needs to be. The Vikings, though, wouldn't have put Bridgewater in Norv Turner's offense if they didn't think he could consistently hit throws of 15 yards or longer, and they're counting on him figuring it out in time.
At this juncture, Bridgewater is still a rookie learning the game at NFL speed. It may take more time for the Vikings downfield passing offense to really pop with him under center.
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