Early in the 2016 NFL Preseason, I saw the Minnesota Vikings as a team that could potentially surprise everyone and be the #1 seed in the NFC with home-field advantage in the playoffs, much like the Panthers did last season (Albeit with less dabbing). Adrian Peterson has been one of the best running backs to ever play the game since he entered the league in 2007, but he’s not getting any younger, he might have 1 or 2 more elite seasons in him. Teddy Bridgewater was a Probowl player last year, despite only throwing 14 TDs in 16 games, but still is an ascending player in this league at only 23 years old. The Vikings defense, led by head coach Mike Zimmer, was a strong unit last season, leading to an NFC North title and a Blair Walsh field goal attempt away from beating former NFC Champion Seattle. The Vikings were a team on the rise, with a promising young team and growth at many positions.

Then came August 30th. A normal day of practice, teams were preparing for their final preseason game before kicking off the regular season on September 11th. Bridgewater collapsed, untouched, and before any diagnosis was made, many players threw their helmets, were swearing, crying, praying, but they knew they had lost their captain. Bridgewater had shown a ton of promise in his first 2 seasons  As he rode away in an ambulance, it appeared that the Vikings season was lost before it had even begun. The 11th youngest roster in the league lost their leader, leaving Shaun Hill, a man who has 49 touchdowns and a 16-18 record in 10 seasons, as the quarterback to direct this team. What would the Vikings do? Where do they go from here?

Enter Rick Spielman, who has been building this roster since 2005 as Vice President of Player Personnel, then took over as GM in 2012. Many wondered if the Vikings would try to trade for Mark Sanchez, Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, or sign Mike Vick off the free agent market. Spielman decided he had other options, and orchestrated a huge trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to bring in Sam Bradford in exchange for a 2017 first round pick and a 2018 fourth round pick. Was this a good move? Much of the reactions on the internet are saying that the Vikings got fleeced, that the Eagles got a steal. I’d say the deal is slightly more balanced than it initially appeared. Bradford gives the Vikings a legitimate starting NFL QB, not the best QB, but someone who can at least back the defense up with smart decision making, accurate short and intermediate passes. He’ll allow the Vikings playmakers to do their jobs.

Mark Sanchez might try to force one too many passes, costing a very good Vikings team a few more games than they’d otherwise lose. Josh McCown and Mike Vick can’t stay healthy, and within 6 weeks would probably be out for a few games with how recklessly he tends to play. Mike Glennon couldn’t beat out McCown for the Buccaneers starting job, leading to the drafting of Jameis Winston. Bradford has a long injury history as well, but the difference is, he has a great arm, he’s a mostly good decision maker, and is not a 1 year rental, as he’s signed to a 2-year deal. In the worst case scenario, where Bridgewater misses time in 2017 as well, the Vikings will still have the option of Bradford to fall back on. Bradford at least gives the Vikings hope for this season, something they didn’t have 2 days ago.