On Sept. 1, the Vikings not only found themselves without a starting quarterback, they were the only team in the NFC North without a quarterback who at some point in his career was considered a franchise quarterback.
When Teddy Bridgewater injured his knee, the Vikings were left with Shaun Hill and an uninspiring list of likely trade targets. They were in danger of falling far behind the competition at the most important position in football.
The Packers featured Aaron Rodgers, one of the great quarterbacks of his era. The Lions had watched Matthew Stafford, a former No.