Unwatchable for the Sane

[DanAS]

Maybe it's because she has been watching a lot of Stanford football lately and she is noticing what good football looks like. But my wife is really questioning my sanity in watching this team. Yes, the WRs are bad. Really, really bad. But at least we're trying all the WRs on the roster, aren't we? The truly amazing thing is that this QB is playing the position about as poorly as it can be played, and yet the Vikes' braintrust continues to put him out there. If I didn't know better, I'd think they were betting on the opposition.

Personally, I applaud their decision in playing Ponder given that they seem to be residents of the Twilight Zone. I want him to keep playing until finally, the brain trust loses patience. The idea of having to spend another season watching Ponder squander 200 yard performances by Adrian Peterson is unbearable. I feel like checking the U.S. Code when I get to work tomorrow to see if this is some kind of federal offense.

Why do they keep playing this guy? I honestly can't answer it. The only reason why I want him in there is to convince them to open their eyes. But what's their excuse? Pretty soon, even I will have had enough -- and surely, if there is another 210 yard rushing performance that results in 14 points, then I will have reached that point. But what fascinates me more than the depths to which Ponder will go is the decision making of the folks who run this team in continuing to throw him out there. Clearly, some of those guys either don't care or don't think. I'm still trying to figure out which it is.

[CalVike]

The Vikings scored 0 points after AD's 82-yard TD run. Is that on Blair Walsh for missing a FG? Is that on WRs for not catching any passes until very late? Is that on the defense for allowing a 11:00 minute drive? Is that on AD for only delivering 210? The Coaches and/or GM are refusing accountability by refusing to bench Ponder.

[thatguy]

The Vikings scored 0 points after AD's 82-yard TD run. Is that on Blair Walsh for missing a FG? Is that on WRs for not catching any passes until very late? Is that on the defense for allowing a 11:00 minute drive? Is that on AD for only delivering 210? The Coaches and/or GM are refusing accountability by refusing to bench Ponder.

That's on all of the above.

[CalVike]

Especially annoying. Bears lost today. Our Ponder driven team is 1-4 in past 5. IF we won today, we would be 7-5, one behind Bears playing them at home next week. Now we are 6-6 two down to GB and Chi. Lots of you say we suck and this post is pointless. But the reality is that stubbornly clinging to the Ponder reach through these sub-100 yard stretches has quite likely cost our team a playoff berth. It's just insane like Dan says in the OP.

[Eli]

Which announcer made the inevitable comment comparing Adrian Peterson's career with that of Barry Sanders? Year in and year out, playing like a madman on one of the most hopeless teams in the NFL. It has to take its toll on you emotionally.

I would not lose the tiniest bit of respect for Adrian Peterson if he demanded a trade away from these clowns and idiots. He deserves so much better.

[admvp]

One has to be a fan through thick and thin. Somehow, the Vikings still put together 6 wins.... and who knows how we might do versus the Bears next week.

A solid point. This team is still 6-6. A .500 NFL football team. In the playoff picture.

Does anyone actually feel like we're a .500 football team? I know I don't. Does anyone actually feel like we have a chance to make the playoffs? I know I don't.

[Demi]

Why do they keep playing this guy?

Because the other options on the roster are worse. Isn't that a scary thought?

[CalVike]

Because the other options on the roster are worse. Isn't that a scary thought?

I guess it's one way to ensure an inadequate QB tops the depth chart. LOL.

[Demi]

that's what unfair about this, like our other games, we still have a fair shot to win. If we had a QB that was at least "average" we'd have 7-9 wins right now. Something about how Ponder raising his hands in victory (since I know he will not be responsible for said victory) if the Vikings win more games that rubs me the wrong way.

Nah, some people would have you think Drew Brees would not only result in no more wins, but possibly more losses.

[Mothman]

Why do they keep playing this guy? I honestly can't answer it. The only reason why I want him in there is to convince them to open their eyes. But what's their excuse? Pretty soon, even I will have had enough -- and surely, if there is another 210 yard rushing performance that results in 14 points, then I will have reached that point. But what fascinates me more than the depths to which Ponder will go is the decision making of the folks who run this team in continuing to throw him out there. Clearly, some of those guys either don't care or don't think. I'm still trying to figure out which it is.

They're probably hoping he can play through adversity and come out the other side as a better QB but he's just prolonging the agony of watching him struggle week after week. We had a brief reprieve against the Lions but last week was rough and today was brutal.

[VikingPaul73]

At this point, might as well, keep playing the guy:

1. a 6-10 record should result in a decent pick
2. 4 more games of this nonsense should convince even the most stubborn Ponder supporters that we need to move on....


I still lament the cutting of Sage....we all know he wasn't the next Tom Brady, but I think we could easily be 8-4 right now with even a competent QB.

[soflavike]

At this point, might as well, keep playing the guy:

1. a 6-10 record should result in a decent pick
2. 4 more games of this nonsense should convince even the most stubborn Ponder supporters that we need to move on....


I still lament the cutting of Sage....we all know he wasn't the next Tom Brady, but I think we could easily be 8-4 right now with even a competent QB.

Sage? If he was so awesome, why is he unemployed right now?

[beardedterror]

I would not lose the tiniest bit of respect for Adrian Peterson if he demanded a trade away from these clowns and idiots.

I call BS x 20. While it's true that he does deserve better, and he's a once in a generation talent, I would guess there would be some hurt feelings if he left today. On top of that, we have to consider the fact that he fumbled away a chance at a super bowl in the 2009 NFCC game. We had our chance, and we blew it.

[JellyBean2144]

Rough game. But I will still watch my beloved Vikings, win or lose.

[CalVike]

Sage? If he was so awesome, why is he unemployed right now?
Exactly. He's mediocre at best. I have no problem with cutting him. If he was our QB right now they'd be calling for Ponder or Webb or whoever by now.

Agreed. But even though I do not know who should be playing QB, I have seen more than enough to know Ponder should not.