In a couple of years quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and middle linebacker Eric Kendricks will be the offensive and defensive leaders of the Minnesota Vikings. It might come even sooner than that. Despite entering only his second year in the league and not turning 23 until November, Bridgewater is already there. He's the quarterback. It's the nature of the position. He has to lead no matter how young he is. Kendricks is just a rookie. He's yet to even take an NFL snap. He hasn't even taken part in an NFL training camp. But he's the middle linebacker. The quarterback of the defense. Each should be a team leader because of the position that they play, the way that they play, and their work ethic. They set the example. Expectations are high for both of them. As a result, expectations are high for the future of the Minnesota Vikings.
Bridgewater and Kendricks are expected to be leaders for a variety of reasons. Most importantly due to the positions that they play. The interesting thing with both is that neither seems to be very vocal. Off the field or on. They've been leaders more through their actions. Through their preparation, effort, and performance. Tight end Kyle Rudolph and center John Sullivan are more vocal on the offensive side of the ball. Rudolph and Sullivan are team leaders. Bridgewater is the quarterback. The quarterback has to lead. Linebacker Chad Greenway and defensive ends Everson Griffen and Brian Robison are defensive team leaders. They are vocal veterans. Kendricks will be quarterbacking the defense as the middle linebacker. He'll be making the calls, getting players set. That's a tall task for a rookie. He'll have help from Greenway, in particular, Griffen and Robison. Probably safety Harrison Smith too but he's more of a leader-by-example like Bridgewater and Kendricks.
Quiet players, even young quiet players can lead through their work and effort. That's a good thing as the Vikings have a couple of them that are tasked with leading due to the positions that they play. Vocal leadership will come as the players become more comfortable with their game, their teammates, and their roles. Bridgewater has already started showing more of that vocal leadership. That's a good thing. He'll never be very loud about it but he'll be a leader. Kendricks is showing leadership potential through a quick understanding of the playbook and his effort. That's a very good thing. Not everyone is a vocal, emotional, football leader like Ray Lewis or Drew Brees. If a football player isn't he shouldn't even try. Just being himself might be one of the best leadership qualities of all.
Expectations for the Minnesota Vikings are rising quickly. A lot of that has to do with the young football players added to the roster over the past few seasons. Players like Teddy Bridgewater and Eric Kendricks. Players with the work ethic to keep getting better. Players that are destined to lead.
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