Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford touches the ball on nearly every offensive play, but he didn't hold onto it too long in Sunday's loss to the Lions.

Bradford completed 31 of his 40 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown, but most of his throws left his hand in the blink of an eye.

Bradford said he has a comfort level with throwing quicker passes and screens in an up-tempo offense, especially under Vikings Interim Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur. The two were together last season in Philadelphia and in Bradford's 2010 rookie season in St. Louis.

 "Last year, we were primarily no huddle. I think a lot of that has to do with Pat being there," Bradford said. "Him being comfortable with some the tempo calls, some of the no-huddle stuff.

"So, I think that's why you probably saw more of that last week than previous weeks," he added.

Bradford noted that the Vikings felt using quick passes could help the offense move the chains. Minnesota picked up 13 of its 22 first downs through the air. 

"Last week just looking at their defense, it was a way we felt we could get the ball out," Bradford said. "We could get completions, keep ourselves ahead of the chains and try to play from 2nd-and-3, 2nd-and-4. 

"Create 3rd-and-short opportunities and just be efficient on first and second down," he added.

Bradford said he was unsure if the Vikings would take a similar approach Sunday in Washington.

"I just think it's good sometimes to change the tempo. I think you can catch the defense off guard," Bradford said. "You know, sometimes you can limit them from substituting especially on third down situations if we don't change personnel.

"It makes it tougher for them to get into their nickel or dime or whatever their specialty third down personnel groupings might be that week," he added. "But, I think it's good to change it up every now and then."

Vikings left guard Alex Boone didn't play Sunday but was asked about the change of pace Wednesday in the locker room. Boone agreed with his quarterback's remarks that speedy passes could keep a defense off balance.

"I think it takes a little bit of a burden off the O-line, too, because (when) you start throwing screens in there, the pass rush, even if they do beat you, it's just a screen," Boone said. "You see sometimes on film guys will stop and turn around and start running, and it's a pass play, but they think it's a screen.

"When you start throwing things like that in, they never know what's going on," he added. "It's always a good mix to throw in there, and it kind of messes with the defense a little bit."

Although he was getting rid of the ball quicker than in previous outings, Bradford praised his offensive line for keeping him upright most of the game. Minnesota allowed two sacks Sunday after giving up 11 the previous two games.

"I thought those guys did a great job last week in protection. They battled. They kept me clean all game," Bradford said. "I'm really proud of the way those guys responded and played last week. 

"They played physical. They played hard," he added. "I thought we executed better up front."

Sirles' versatility valuable to Vikings

Jeremiah Sirles has bounced around the offensive line this season, playing at two different positions for the Vikings.

His versatility has helped Minnesota withstand injuries all across the line as Sirles has started two games at right tackle for the injured Andre Smith. Sirles then started at left guard Sunday against Detroit because Boone had a concussion.

"It's just kind of what I've learned I need to do," Sirles said. "Whatever I can do to help this team win is what I'll do."

The former University of Nebraska lineman said being able to play at various spots makes him more valuable.

"It's come in handy for me, and I hope it's coming in handy for the team," he added. "They keep you around so you can do certain things and help the team win.

"I've felt I've been able to go out there and perform to my best," he added.

Sirles said he spends extra practice time working at multiple positions to make sure he's ready for anything if his name is called on game day. He also said Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano gets his players prepared for a variety of positions.

"Tony does a nice job of not throwing you in somewhere that you haven't practiced a lot at," Sirles said. "He does a nice job of moving around. You can do a scout team period and get extra work, so that helps."

Boone, meanwhile, met with the media Wednesday for the first time since clearing concussion protocol. He said he feels better and will have different headgear on going forward.

"I will be trying a new helmet this week and probably from here on out," Boone said. "My old one, the one that I love, is actually not made anymore.

"It's actually one of the oldest ones you can wear and is probably the oldest one in the NFL," he added. "But I've always worn it and always loved it, so now I'm going to have to upgrade to this new fancy thing."

Injury reports

The first injury reports of the week are out and include 12 Vikings players

For the Vikings: Linval Joseph (shoulder), Marcus Sherels (ankle), Captain Munnerlyn (ankle) and Sharrif Floyd (knee) did not participate. Zac Kerin (hand) was limited. Ronnie Hillman (heel), Jerick McKinnon (ankle), Alex Boone (concussion), Eric Kendricks (concussion), Anthony Barr (ankle), Andrew Sendejo (ankle) and Audie Cole (hand) fully participated.

For the Redskins: WR DeSean Jackson (shoulder) did not participate. S Will Blackmon (thumb) and T Morgan Moses (ankle) were limited. S Duke Ihenacho (concussion) and G Brandon Scherff (shoulder) fully participated.