Ponder has rib injury. Does this open the door...

[dead_poet]

So why should we believe that Cassel or MBT won't take the same pounding? What with this OL anyway?

Perhaps he can perform better under pressure? Some QBs (Manning, Rodgers, Wilson, etc.) are lethal against 5 or more pass rushers.

[PurpleMustReign]

So why should we believe that Cassel or MBT won't take the same pounding? What with this OL anyway?

And no, I'm not excusing Ponder. I'm just frustrated with an OL that suddenly can't pass or run block with any consistency. Look at the times AD gets buried behind the LoS.

Maybe the O-line wants a different QB?

[Cliff]

So why should we believe that Cassel or MBT won't take the same pounding? What with this OL anyway?

And no, I'm not excusing Ponder. I'm just frustrated with an OL that suddenly can't pass or run block with any consistency. Look at the times AD gets buried behind the LoS.

To be fair, There were at least a few times Ponder held onto the ball too long. I'd like to see how many times pro football focus would classify the sacks as being on Ponder.

Still, I agree, the line has taken a step back.

[losperros]

Perhaps he can perform better under pressure? Some QBs (Manning, Rodgers, Wilson, etc.) are lethal against 5 or more pass rushers.

That's a good point. I definitely don't think Ponder is all that good under pressure. And I agree with what Cliff said about Ponder sometimes holding onto the ball too long.

Even so, I still think the OL isn't doing its job well all the way around. Just my two cents.

[purpletinted66]

if ponder's out, and our qb is ready for a scrap, we should win this week: but the aim now is to be practically undefeated for the rest of the season.

[Laserman]

MBT time of you ask me. Season is already over.

[Reignman]

Oh man I called it ... or maybe Frazier read my post last night and the light bulb went on xD.

Haha, that was just more coach speak. It's easier to use an injury excuse than to say a guy is struggling. Although the way he bit on the double move on the Gordon TD, I'm surprised he didn't bust an ankle. But when did he sprain the ankle? On the sideline? Because he was running fine chasing Gordon and that was his last play. Either way, it's the best coaching decision Frazier has made because Sherels played AW like.

Maybe Ponder will be on the bench soon too because he has a "sprained shoulder".

Ok my psychic license is still on hold because I got the wrong body part, and they haven't officially named Cassel the starter yet. He is getting most of the snaps in practice though.

[Funkytown]

Oh man I called it...

Oooo. You're psycho. I mean, psychic. Yeah, psychic.

When are we going to start winning? Can you tell me that? And don't say when Ponder gets benched and everyone gets fired.

[Webbfann]

If we have a passing threat under center opposing teams won't be able to bring all the pressure they are bringing now knowing Punter can't burn them and make them honest.

[losperros]

I guess I don't have the confidence in the current QB depth that some of you have. Seems to me that the QB - Cassel or MBT - will have the same porous OL in front of him. He's going to get his butt kicked.

While I don't think Ponder is the answer at QB, I don't believe Cassel or MBT is either. The "answer" isn't on the team yet.

[psjordan]

I guess I don't have the confidence in the current QB depth that some of you have. Seems to me that the QB - Cassel or MBT - will have the same porous OL in front of him. He's going to get his butt kicked.

While I don't think Ponder is the answer at QB, I don't believe Cassel or MBT is either. The "answer" isn't on the team yet.

I agree with all that Craig but I will also add this - I think the general approach, attitude and fortitude of the OL is a direct reflection of their belief that the QB can make something happen in the passing game if they hold their block another .3 seconds. Or if they hustle to the corner to get a split second chip on a blitzer. Having Ponder break off successful runs is great and I am sure the OL "appreciates" the play, but it's not the same as thinking your guy can make something happen in the passing game.

This is why teams make QB changes when the talent pool on their team seems equally mundane.

At this point I am all for a change, even if the others suck worse. If the ABSOLUTE ONLY thing making a change a QB does is send a message to me, personally, that "I Leslie Frazier no longer believe with all of my heart that Christian Ponder is starting NFL caliber", well then, I am OK with it!

[mansquatch]

If Cassel can find some of his 2007 magic we could still be in the hunt, albeit a dark horse. Lots of talent around if a guy can make the throws.

[maembe]

If Cassel can find some of his 2007 magic we could still be in the hunt, albeit a dark horse. Lots of talent around if a guy can make the throws.

That wasn't magic. That was Randy Moss. Gus Ferotte didn't have magic either.

[losperros]

I agree with all that Craig but I will also add this - I think the general approach, attitude and fortitude of the OL is a direct reflection of their belief that the QB can make something happen in the passing game if they hold their block another .3 seconds. Or if they hustle to the corner to get a split second chip on a blitzer. Having Ponder break off successful runs is great and I am sure the OL "appreciates" the play, but it's not the same as thinking your guy can make something happen in the passing game.

This is why teams make QB changes when the talent pool on their team seems equally mundane.

At this point I am all for a change, even if the others suck worse. If the ABSOLUTE ONLY thing making a change a QB does is send a message to me, personally, that "I Leslie Frazier no longer believe with all of my heart that Christian Ponder is starting NFL caliber", well then, I am OK with it!

I get where you're coming from, Paul. It all makes sense and I agree with you.

Besides, I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.

[S197]

No kidding, 14 times! And does that even count the licks he took on the 2 TD runs?

I'm curious to know on what play he injured his ribs as I wouldn't be surprised if it was on one of his runs. Despite the number of sacks, I don't recall any of them being all that bad. The only play I can remember off the top of my head where he looked a little exposed is when dived for the goalline.