How are they doing this?

How is this possible?

The Vikings have rookies at almost every key position, yet they're now one play away from a three-game winning streak and a 5-4 record.

Had they stopped Buffalo on that last-minute drive, had they not allowed a fourth-and-20 to be converted, they would be in playoff contention.

The alternative isn't too bad. With rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater overcoming early mistakes and leading a fourth-quarter touchdown drive, the Vikings beat Washington, 29-26, on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium.

Teddy Bridgewater's bad throws were unsightly, but he handled a blitzing Washington defense, more bad offensive line play and a lackluster running game to guide the offense to 29 points.

In fact, offensive coordinator Norv Turner put the game in Bridgewater's hands, and Bridgewater, despite overthrowing two receivers for potential touchdowns early in the game, avoided committing a turnover.

Most impressive was his ability to move in a collapsing pocket. He continually stepped up to avoid pressure.

It was a day of growth in an uneven season. Bridgewater wasn't supposed to be playing yet, and he's played well enough to give the Vikings a two-game winning streak and a measure of immediate, as well as future, hope.