Vikings roll into bye week

Published 7:55 am Wednesday, November 1, 2017

EDEN PRAIRIE — The Minnesota Vikings took a 6-2 record, control of the NFC North and deep confidence in the depth of their roster into their bye week.

The most remarkable aspect of their standing at midseason is that the quarterback situation for the second half remains a mystery.

Case Keenum has started four and finished five of the six victories, throwing only three interceptions and taking just five sacks. His 88.8 passer rating ranks 16th in the NFL among players with a qualifying amount of attempts, a middle-of-the-pack statistic that’s better than a bunch of starters around the league who are far more established.

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His mobility has added a dimension to a vastly improved offense, and his energy on the field has inspired his teammates. With a defense as fierce as the one the Vikings have, Keenum has been the ideal complement on the other side of the ball.

So was Sam Bradford, before his left knee started bothering him. So was Teddy Bridgewater, before his left knee was badly damaged in practice 14 months ago to send him down an arduous road of rehabilitation.