Teddy Bridgewater sharp in Vikings 14-3 win over Steelers

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CANTON, Ohio -- didn't want to talk about the completions. Last the Minnesota quarterback checked, getting the ball where it needs to go is the main part of his job.It's that one mi s, however, that will stick with the reigning Rookie of the Year.Bridgewater's only series in a 14-3 victory over Pittsburgh in the game Sunday ended up with the getting stuffed on fourth down after Bridgewater failed to complete a simple flip to on third down that would have given Minnesota first-and-goal."It's one of those deals where it's good to stay within the system," Bridgewater said. "If I hit Mike, we avoid fourth down."Maybe Bridgewater Bol Bol Jersey is being picky after going 5 of 6 for 44 yards during his cameo, but with an extra preseason game this summer, the and their emerging leader have plenty of time to work on it.Backup quarterback threw a touchdown pa s and running back ran for another score long after Bridgewater exited as the improved to 5-0 in preseason games under second-year coach Mike Zimmer."Wish I was 5-0 in the regular season," he said, laughing.Both teams have a month before things start to count for real, giving the annual preseason opener an even more pedestrian feel.r Jerome Bettis waved a "Terrible Towel" during pregame introductions, with the decidedly pro-Pittsburgh crowd roaring its approval, the only moment of true star power on a night the bold-faced names still in uniform didn't Jamal Murray Jersey break a sweat if they even bothered to suit up at all.Minnesota running back 's return from a lengthy suspension will have to wait at least one more week, if not decidedly longer. He hung out on the sideline while the backups did the heavy lifting. quarterback stuck to attire more appropriate for the gym. All-Pro running back and All-Pro wide receiver put together a full dre s rehearsal, even going through warm-ups then spent four quarters as spectators, the only exercise the notoriously hard-working Brown enjoyed coming while he absentmindedly worked the exercise bike.Bridgewater deftly guided the on a 10-play, 51-yard drive in the first quarter, hitting tight end for a pair of 11-yard gains. Rather than attempt a short field goal on fourth-and-1 from the 10, Zimmer opted to go for it only to see stopped for no gain by nose tackle , one of the handful of Pittsburgh regulars to actually take the field.With Roethlisberger given the night off and usual backup dealing with a sore arm, the gave third-stringer Jones an extensive look. The leading pa ser in Oklahoma history is trying to convince the team Will Barton Jersey to keep three quarterbacks on the roster. While coach Mike Tomlin said early in camp Jones was on the "incline" he was going to reserve judgment until after seeing Jones face guys in different-color jerseys.The early returns weren't exactly promising after the failed to produce a touchdown or generate much momentum with Jones under center.Jones completed 15 of 32 pa ses for 128 yards and Allen Iverson Jersey an interception while taking nearly every Pittsburgh snap."Some good things, some bad things," Jones said. "It will be interesting to see what it's like to go watch the film and learn from it. I mi sed a couple of pa ses. A lot of these guys have never played in the NFL before, either, so I'm sure they were nervous like me."Jones led the on their only scoring drive of the half, finding for a 35-yard strike that set up a 36-yard field goal by , who later left with what Tomlin called a "potentially significant" injury."I just wanted to see a winning performance," Tomlin said. "We come into these situations to win. August or no, that's what we're looking for -- not only in (Jones) but all of us collectively. He's got room for improvement. Obviously, some of the game-management things, delays of game, we can't have."Minnesota JaMychal Green Jersey didn't have nearly as much trouble finding the end zone after the early near mi s. Kafka took advantage of a blown coverage to connect with for an easy 34-yard TD strike 4:20 left in the first half.The extended the lead midway through the third quarter following a 62-yard punt return by rookie . He was tripped up just short of the goal line. No matter, one play later, Banyard strolled into the end zone to make it 14-3.NOTES: first-round pick, CB , had three tackles and was called for a holding penalty that was declined. ... Pittsburgh's top pick, LB Bud Dupree, had two tackles. ... Pittsburgh visits Jacksonville on Friday. Minnesota hosts Tampa Bay on Saturday.Copyright 2015 by The A sociated Pre s