As a quarterback competition, this one was pretty dull.

We all knew Matt Cassel was in line to be the Vikings' starter. Only a horrid preseason from him would have changed that. He played pretty well and looked comfortable in Norv Turner's offense even without the presence of Adrian Peterson.

Teddy Bridgewater distinguished himself as a composed, smart young quarterback who should be the franchise quarterback for the next decade or so, once he takes over.

This wasn't a quarterback controversy, as they're so often called. This was a polite competition between a veteran who is willing to help his younger teammate a long, and a young quarterback willing to bide his time.

``As I said after I got drafted here, I think this is the perfect situation for me," Bridgewater said a few minutes ago in the lockerroom. ``I'll continue to support Matt, and the whole offensive unit."

The most interested development of the day wasn't Vikings coach Mike Zimmer announcing that Cassel is his starter, it was Zimmer saying he will evaluate the quarterback position the same way he evaluates all positions. That is, if the starter doesn't play well, ``the next guy gets a chance."

Those who want to see Bridgewater starting are in a strange position. Bridgewater probably won't play until and unless Cassel struggles. So it might be best for the franchise, especially for this season, if Cassel remains the starter all season - or at at least as long as the Vikings are in contention.

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I'll be on 1500ESPN-AM in a few minutes with Mackey&Judd, who are at the state fair.

We're running Sunday Sports Talk at the 1500ESPN booth this Sunday, 10-noon, with Korzo and Hunter.