The Facts: Matt Cassel was supposed to be the bridge to the Bridgewater era. It wasn't a very long one.Just over two games into the season, Cassel went down with a broken left foot in Minnesota's 20-9 loss to New Orleans on Sunday at the Superdome. So now, the Vikings' starting quarterback is the rookie Bridgewater. "I thought he was very composed with everything,' said HC Zimmer, who now moves Christian Ponder from third string to second. "I didn't see any panic. ... I believe that he's going to be very good (quarterback).'

Diehards Line:"I feel I'm going to be very ready,' said Bridgewater, who will get his first start this Sunday against Atlanta at TCF Bank Stadium. ... Worth noting: The move seemed inevitable anyhow. Even if Cassel had not gotten hurt, he looked to be on the verge of being replaced as the starter. Meanwhile, in his NFL debut, Bridgewater completed 12 of 20 passes for 150 yards. He led the Vikings to a pair of field goals, although he couldn't lead them into the end zone. ... Still, it might not be a bad time for the Vikings to break out the new face of their franchise.