Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater felt if the team's showdown with the Packers took place this Sunday, and not on a Thursday night preceded by a short week, he could have started.

Alas, the game did take place tonight. Bridgewater sat and it was a blowout 42-10 loss.

After the game, head coach Mike Zimmer made it clear that it was his decision, saying, "It wasn't up to him." Zimmer wouldn't say how close he came to starting Bridgewater over Christian Ponder and he said that the rain and slick surface at Lambeau Field didn't play into his decision.

Simply put, Zimmer said Bridgewater, who has a sprained left ankle, just wasn't ready to play.

Bridgewater made it clear after the game that he respected Zimmer's decision.

"It was a decision that coach made," said Bridgewater, who was told Ponder was starting earlier in the day. "He thought it was best for the team and what was best for me, also."

Ponder struggled in the loss, throwing interceptions on back-to-back throws, including one that was returned for a touchdown. He finished the game with 222 passing yards on 22-of-44 passing.

So, Mike Zimmer, how did Ponder play?

"Not very well."

Zimmer was not looking for any rainbows after the loss. He's not a silver-lining type of guy. But he was optimistic about Bridgewater's chances of playing next Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Bridgewater, meanwhile, said he has no doubts that he will start nine days from now.

"I've been able to develop a rehab schedule and get to know our trainers real well," he said.