Teddy Bridgewater impressing with deep ball

The Vikings' quarterback competition has the potential to last until the end of the preseason, given the options — or lack thereof — the organization has.

First there, Matt Cassel, who ended last year as the starter. Christian Ponder, a former first-round pick, is also an option. Lastly, rookie Teddy Bridgewater, taken with the 32nd overall pick in the first round will also be given a shot.

But as Ponder recently stated, the competition appears to be primarily between Cassel and Bridgewater.

If Cassel wins the job, he'll have to do his best to keep it. If he messes up and the Vikings begin to lose some games, it will be easy for the organization to turn toward the future and trot Bridgewater under center.

But Bridgewater may have enough to take the job before the season's start. Speaking to FOX Sports North, Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner said that Bridgewater has displayed some attributes that have surprised the organization, mainly his ability to throw the deep pass.

"One of the things that has been the most impressive to me is, I knew he'd be very accurate, I knew he'd make great decisions, quick decisions, but he's been outstanding throwing the ball deep, which some people thought that was going to be an issue," Turner said. "I think in the six or eight weeks we've had him on the field, I think he's been put in a position where he's had to make most of the throws he would have to make and I think he can make all the throws he needs to make."

Bridgewater is making his case to be the starter. And if it works out, he would easily be the steal of the first round.

At one point Bridgewater was in consideration to be the first overall pick. Then he had a bad pro day with critics chiming in about his arm strength. The early offseason can bring the worst out of people. Maybe Bridgewater will get the final word in for all of those that doubted him.

Follow me on twitter: @JasonHButt

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