Ex-Packer sees ‘similarities' between Rodgers, Bridgewater

Share

If Charles Johnson is correct, this is not good news for the Bears.

Johnson, drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2013, worked with and closely observed quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Now with the Minnesota Vikings, for whom he emerged as a starter last season and finished with 31 catches and three touchdowns, Johnson is seeing striking similarities between scourge-of-the-Bears Rodgers and emerging Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

[MORE NFC NORTH: Packers' McCarthy - Why doesn’t ex-Bears QB Matt Blanchard have a job?]

“When I was with Green Bay and first went to practice and seen how Aaron Rodgers orchestrated the offense, it wowed me and amazed me,” Johnson said by way of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “He’s one of the great quarterbacks in this league. I know Teddy looks up to him as another player to watch, and I can see Teddy growing in that aspect.

“I can see him having the same type of similarities that Aaron Rodgers demands when he gets to the huddle.”

Johnson may be an evaluator of limited perspectives. The Bears should hope not.

[NBC SPORTS SHOP: Gear up, Bears fans!]

But after opening the year behind Matt Cassel, Bridgewater started the final 12 games and the Vikings finished 5-4 over their final nine, including a season-ending win over the Bears. Bridgewater finished with a passer rating of 85.2 – within range of Jay Cutler (88.6) and Matthew Stafford (85.7).

The Vikings, who traded for speed receiver Mike Wallace this offseason, have running back Adrian Peterson returning from suspension and thought enough of Johnson to pass on Louisville wideout DeVante Parker (No. 14 to Miami) at No. 11.

Minnesota instead took cornerback Trae Waynes, among the seven players the Bears had on their list of options worthy of the No. 7 pick.

Contact Us