Quarterback Terry Bridgewater is showing signs of improvement. Yesterday the rookie out of Louisville won his second NFL game since taking over for the injured Matt Cassel. Bridgewater got by with a little help from his friends on defense. After sending the game into overtime, Bridgewater's teammate, linebacker Anthony Barr stripped tight end Austin Seferian Jenkins and recovered the ball and returned it for a touchdown, thus beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-13.
The game-winning play was actually borne of a defensive misstep by linebacker Anthony Barr. Barr was out of position to start the play, and got beat by Jenkins for a 10-yard reception.
Barr reacted quickly, though, and made a play for the ball. Coach Mike Zimmer was angry at first, but in the NFL, results are what matter most (via NFL.com):
"Initially, I was a little bit upset with him because he didn't widen with the tight end enough, and he let him catch the ball. But now that it's over, I'm glad he did."
What also matters for Minnesota is the strides rookie quarterback Terry Bridgewater is making. Initially meant to back up veteran Matt Cassel this season, Bridgewater was thrust into the hot seat a little earlier than planned when Cassel was placed on the injured list.
Yesterday, Terry showed guts and resolve, hanging with the Bucs through a low-scoring affair. He is learning fast, though. Bridgewater has the tools to become one of the league's next great quarterbacks (via ESPN):
"Bridgewater came out on the other side with his second NFL victory, and an effort that showed some steps forward, albeit against the worst defense in the NFL. He completed 24 of 42 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown."
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