MINNEAPOLIS -- The Vikings came into the season believing that Teddy Bridgewater could take a significant step forward with better pass protection. That hypothesis seemed to be confirmed on two fronts in their preseason opener.
After he was pressured on three plays during the Vikings' first drive -- including one where he appeared to hold the ball too long -- the quarterback benefited from better pass protection on his second and final drive of the evening, hitting all five of his passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. The drive included three third-down conversions, including two from 3rd-and-7, and while it came after the Bengals had taken their starters out, the 96-yard march suggested the Vikings can get more out of Bridgewater if they protect him better.