3 reasons Teddy Bridgewater will have a breakout year in 2016

Since being selected as the last pick of the first round in the 2014 NFL Draft, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has steadily been proving his worth to the Minnesota Vikings.

While his 17 total touchdowns as a second-year pro were good enough to help lead the Vikings to their first division championship since 2009, the former Louisville standout can stand to improve those totals in his third campaign.

Bridgewater has received praise from teammates, coaches, and fans for his performance, leadership, and maturity, but his numbers in back-to-back seasons registering 14 passing scores don't quite reflect the kind words.

Here are three reasons why the Vikings quarterback is poised for a breakout campaign in 2016:

New stadium

After being forced to battle the cold Minnesota winters at TCF Bank Stadium through his first two seasons, Bridgewater should get a big boost to his passing abilities now that the Vikings are moving indoors.

Vikings receivers made just 41 receptions of over 20 yards in 2015 with perceived deep threat Mike Wallace recording a long of only 34 yards. Bridgewater struggled to push the ball deep, finishing with the 31st-ranked passing offense, but the controlled environment at U.S. Bank Stadium will make it easier for him to improve upon those numbers.

All four teams that play indoors at home and started the same quarterback for 16 games last season - the Saints, Cardinals, Falcons, and Lions - finished among the top eight in league passing yardage.

Increased familiarity

With 29 career starts under his belt, Bridgewater has already earned comparisons to future Hall of Famer Tom Brady from All-Pro teammate Adrian Peterson and the label of "winner" from head coach Mike Zimmer.

At 23 years of age, Bridgewater's 17 wins through two seasons ties him with retired veterans Brett Favre and Warren Moon for the most by a Vikings quarterback in their first two years. He's had the fortune of working within the same system with the same coaches over that span, allowing him to learn and develop without needing to relearn concepts.

He's also had the benefit of not being bombarded with new faces on a yearly basis, although general manager Rick Spielman and his staff have done a great job of improving their units through the draft and free agency.

Improved receiving core, protection

Bridgewater found chemistry with fifth-round rookie receiver Stefon Diggs last season, but Diggs isn't your typical No. 1 wideout. Spielman drafted Laquon Treadwell to fill that role.

While he was criticized for a less-than-ideal 40-yard dash time, Treadwell has the skills to be a dominating force outside the numbers and has been impressing Bridgewater since early offseason workouts.

Offensive linemen Alex Boone and Andre Smith were signed in free agency to bolster the Vikings' pass protection and rushing attack, which is scary enough with Peterson carrying the rock.

Bridgewater should see increased time and space in the pocket to find his weapons, which will include Diggs, Treadwell, Peterson, Jarius Wright, and the NFL's self-proclaimed best tight end Kyle Rudolph.

The Vikings have been known as a ground-and-pound team for several seasons with Peterson as the face of the team. With the running back turning 31 last March, it's the perfect time for Bridgewater to air it out and take control of the franchise as the U.S. Bank Stadium era begins in Minnesota.