Vikings choose Cassel as starting quarterback

Matt Cassel has seen a lot in 10 years in the NFL, including by his count seven different offensive coordinators in his last six seasons in the league.

So when Cassel re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason and started to digest Norv Turner’s new system, he knew he’d have to work harder and study longer than he ever had before to win the starting job. Mission accomplished.

Cassel was named the starting quarterback over first-round draft pick Teddy Bridgewater on Monday for the regular season opener against the St. Louis Rams, an achievement that resonated with a player who has evolved from a no-name rookie to a backup sensation to an embattled starter and then to a journeyman veteran scratching and clawing to get another shot.

Cassel has been sharp while starting all three preseason games.

AP