A quick observation of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and how he played in the Minnesota Vikings' 37-35 loss in Week 16:

There was plenty of consternation earlier this season about Bridgewater's inaccuracy on deep balls and whether he had the arm to consistently throw downfield in the NFL. The rookie didn't have to try any 40-yard shots Sunday, but in recent weeks, he has hit the 15-to -20-yard throws often enough that the question about Bridgewater's downfield accuracy is essentially dead.

Bridgewater completed six of seven throws that traveled 10 yards or more Sunday, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He accumulated 130 yards and a touchdown on those throws and was perfect in both his passer rating (158.3) and QBR (100.0) when he threw at least 10 yards. Bridgewater's longest ball of the day was 25 yards, but he continued to connect on the intermediate throws that are so vital in offensive coordinator Norv Turner's scheme.

The past four weeks, Bridgewater has hit 65.4 percent of his throws of at least 10 yards, which is the highest completion percentage in the league over that stretch. His completion percentage when throwing at least 15 yards also leads the league, and it's even more impressive -- 76.5 percent. And 20-plus yards? Bridgewater's completion percentage is tops in the league there too -- he's gone 6-for-9 on such throws for 190 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Now, it should be noted no QB who has started the past four weeks has tried fewer throws of 15 yards or more than Bridgewater, who has attempted just 17. But the Vikings' pass protection issues and their search for bona fide deep threats have plenty to do with that, as well. The rookie will need to get more comfortable going down the field frequently, and he'll need to maintain his accuracy over higher volumes of those throws. But the Vikings coaches who staunchly defended the rookie when he was missing deep throws earlier this season -- Turner, head coach Mike Zimmer and quarterbacks coach Scott Turner -- appear to have been vindicated.