Matt Cassel: 'Experience was vital'

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel believes that his experience was vital in helping him win the battle to become his side's starter for the 2014 season.

The 32-year-old was confirmed as the club's signal caller for the campaign by head coach Mike Zimmer after outperforming Christian Ponder and rookie Teddy Bridgewater during training camp.

"I've been through a lot in my career," Cassel told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "I've been through the ups, I've been through the downs.

"I've been through the highs and the lows, so at this point, nothing really surprises me in my career.

"So I think because of those, it calluses you to a few different situations that as a younger player, I might not have taken it as well."

The Vikings open their season against the St Louis Rams on September 7.