MINNEAPOLIS — Teddy Bridgewater leading the huddle, taking the snaps and surveying the field. Adrian Peterson powering his way through the line.

Finally, the Minnesota Vikings can send the fulcrum of their offense onto the field at the same time. The combination came together one year late, but there’s plenty of time remaining for the franchise running back in the evening phase of his career to do some damage to opposing defenses with the still-dawning quarterback.

“Teddy, I feel like he’s the key. There’s not too many guys that come into the league that have that talent, especially at the quarterback position,” Peterson said. “He’s just so poised. He has a great arm. He’s mature. And he’s a competitor.”

When the Vikings drafted Bridgewater at the end of the first round last year, the environment appeared ideal for a rookie quarterback.