A quick observation of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and how he played in the Minnesota Vikings' 24-21 loss in Week 12:

It might be a small measure of progress, but the 22-yard touchdown pass Bridgewater threw to Charles Johnson on Sunday was his longest of the season. It was the first complete pass he'd thrown at least 20 yards in the air since the Vikings' Week 9 win over the Washington Redskins. It also highlighted his growing connection with Johnson, who led the team in targets for the second straight week and figures to be a big part of the team's game plan against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Bridgewater still had a poor day throwing downfield -- he was just 4-for-12 on passes that traveled at least 10 yards, according to ESPN Stats & Information -- but on the Johnson TD, he benefited from a few things he hasn't often had this season: a clean pocket and a receiver who could quickly beat press coverage.

Bridgewater briefly looked to his left to hold safety Morgan Burnett and threw a strike for Johnson at the top of his drop. On the occasions where things work that well around him, throwing downfield shouldn't be difficult for Bridgewater at all.