Second and Third Quarterback

[Crax]

As discussed previously, Vikings really need to draft a QB and start developing them even if you're ok with your starter. Neither wilson or kapernick were initially drafted to be the starters, they were picked up to develop. The vikings could try using a low 1st/2nd/3rd sometime and work on developing someone

[NextQuestion]

Has anyone ever thought that the QB coaching staff just isn't that good? Our current guy was Vince Young's QB coach his first couple of years and I remember watching some interview with him saying "I don't try and change Vince".

[Mothman]

As discussed previously, Vikings really need to draft a QB and start developing them even if you're ok with your starter. Neither wilson or kapernick were initially drafted to be the starters, they were picked up to develop. The vikings could try using a low 1st/2nd/3rd sometime and work on developing someone

I've been advocating that for some time and I was hoping they would do it this year. Maybe they think MBT can be the "real deal" at some point.

[headless_norseman]

As discussed previously, Vikings really need to draft a QB and start developing them even if you're ok with your starter. Neither wilson or kapernick were initially drafted to be the starters, they were picked up to develop. The vikings could try using a low 1st/2nd/3rd sometime and work on developing someone

Bingo. Look at recent teams like the Skins, Seahawks and 49rs, they all drafted QB's when they thought they already had their starter - Skins drafted both their QBs in the same draft. If Ponder just doesn't progress this year, it could mess up the whole timing of the team with what we have drafted over the past 2-3 years.

[Eli]

Has anyone ever thought that the QB coaching staff just isn't that good?

No.

[S197]

As discussed previously, Vikings really need to draft a QB and start developing them even if you're ok with your starter. Neither wilson or kapernick were initially drafted to be the starters, they were picked up to develop. The vikings could try using a low 1st/2nd/3rd sometime and work on developing someone

This has been my biggest criticism with Spielman to date, who otherwise I think has done very well with his drafts. Really, this should have been addressed when Favre was here. The only quasi-attempt at drafting a QB was Webb and we all know he was initially taken to be a receiver. For me, it didn't even need to be a 1st-3rd pick, just take a flier on a guy in the late rounds. Even if Ponder turns out to be a good pick, the contingency planning should have started a lot earlier.

[Laserman]

Has anyone ever thought that the QB coaching staff just isn't that good? Our current guy was Vince Young's QB coach his first couple of years and I remember watching some interview with him saying "I don't try and change Vince".

After seeing ZERO PROGRESS in Ponder I'd have to say YES

[The Breeze]

I agree with everyone about drafting another QB. It's nice to have a veteran guy in the mix, but by the end of this season that's Ponder. Look at what the Eagles, Pats and Packers have done with guys they've developed as well.

I think they really thought they had something in Webb, and they were wrong. I would say the bigger issue is evaluating talent at that particular position...not the coaching. I have no idea how much of a say Spielman had in the TJack and Webb decisions.

I would't knock Vince Young either, he has a pretty sick record as a starter. The issues he has go well beyond a QB coach's paygrade. The guy knows how to play and win...he'd a been one heck of an read option guy if he had better control over his.....whatever.

If Ponder can't get the job done I'd like to see the offense change schemes to more of a spread system. Not just draft another guy and try to plug him in. They have the talent to do it.

People like to suggest that the WCO style has been figured out and is obsolete, I'm not sure I buy that. It's just not very easy to get right kind of players together, for long enough, to make it go. No one ever figured out the Walsh Niners even after Walsh left, they just go old and couldn't replace guys.....and it no longer happens that half of an entire team spends the majority of their careers with the same team and system. Exceptions would be the defense of the Ravens and Steelers maybe the Giants too.

rambling 2cents...maybe 4

[PurpleKoolaid]

Has anyone ever thought that the QB coaching staff just isn't that good? Our current guy was Vince Young's QB coach his first couple of years and I remember watching some interview with him saying "I don't try and change Vince".

OFC not. Its the wind, the Oline, the receivers, or the Refs. The QBs (including Webb) are just fine.

[CbusVikesFan]

Good point and in light of the comments Jennings has made about trust, it makes sense. Last night, we saw a play where Ponder needed to trust Burton, didn't, and it ended in an incompletion. We also saw a play where he trusted Burton, was let down, and it resulted in an INT. That relationship is clearly a work-in-progress.

This will be a work in progress and knowing this is to wonder why Ponder didn't get more playing time to work with the WR's since basically everyone is new. Even Simpson, oft injured one. When the 49'ers backups came in the blocking shored up and Ponder had time to make plays. Nothing there, made plays with his legs. These guys have got to kick it into another gear come game 1. Of course it will be a different story once AP is in the backfield, and if Ponder doesn't take advantage of it this year it will be on him. The WR talent is there. And I did notice that Ponder is stepping up in the pocket more often instead of bailing on his protection. That is a good sign.
Will MBT start next week, or Cassel? I would like to see MBT get the majority of the play next week.

[Mothman]

Good point and in light of the comments Jennings has made about trust, it makes sense. Last night, we saw a play where Ponder needed to trust Burton, didn't, and it ended in an incompletion. We also saw a play where he trusted Burton, was let down, and it resulted in an INT. That relationship is clearly a work-in-progress.

This will be a work in progress and knowing this is to wonder why Ponder didn't get more playing time to work with the WR's since basically everyone is new. Even Simpson, oft injured one. When the 49'ers backups came in the blocking shored up and Ponder had time to make plays. Nothing there, made plays with his legs. These guys have got to kick it into another gear come game 1. Of course it will be a different story once AP is in the backfield, and if Ponder doesn't take advantage of it this year it will be on him. The WR talent is there. And I did notice that Ponder is stepping up in the pocket more often instead of bailing on his protection. That is a good sign. [/quote]

It is a good sign and he's done it two weeks in a row so hopefully, he'll keep it up (not that rolling away from pressure is always bad. Kaepernick certainly did well with that approach last night).

Will MBT start next week, or Cassel? I would like to see MBT get the majority of the play next week.

I'm guessing that's how it will play out. Cassel will probably start but I'm guessing MBT will get 2+ quarters, maybe even 3.

[PurpleKoolaid]

Well they cut Vandenberg today so it's only gonna be Cassel and MBT next week. Probably will both get a half.

A whole half of Cassel? That may be the lowest rated half of a game in the history of the NFL. I cant believe how poorly he performed yesterday.

[Eli]

I have a different perspective of the Burton INT. I'm probably wrong but just wanted see anyone else had the same reaction.

Should that passed have been thrown in the first place? I wouldn't rush so quickly in blaming Burton just because of Collinsworth's comments. When Ponder was asked about that play he called it a miscommunication. Burton actually slowed down even before the pass and his hands were down like he wasn't even expecting the pass. It just looked like Burton wasn't or shouldn't have been the primary target, especially with that LB near the play. I don't know, just watching the replay makes me think it was more than just a WR not completing his route.

I agree. I don't think it was that simple. Burton may not have been the primary receiver and was most likely settling into an open spot. Ponder always seems to be a half-step slow in his reads and in his reactions.

[The Breeze]

Interesting....It didn't look to me like Burton was settling into a space. He just plain stopped. But I can't honestly remember if the ball was already thrown when he did. I thought it was in the air and he stopped to avoid contact. I'll have to rewatch it. It could've been a miscommunication....they do plenty of that it seems. But my main reason for assuming it was Burton's mistake, either way, was the way he reacted all the way down the sideline. Head down and visibly upset. Maybe Ponder's comment was a matter of not throwing him under the bus.....I dunno.

[The Breeze]

It sounds to me Ponder is placing blame but it's hard to tell. These quotes look out of context. http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_239 ... -francisco

Yeah...sounds like he downplayed it but suggested it was Burton's error.
Well, I'm glad it wasn't just a case of avoiding contact. It sucks for Burton to be involved in any screw ups fighting for that last spot. I get why he was so dejected as a result~