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Thanks for the feedback. I don't want a Ponder/Cassel controversy. This stuff just tears a team apart. I wish Ponder a very good year.

Tark10 wrote:Thanks for the feedback. I don't want a Ponder/Cassel controversy. This stuff just tears a team apart. I wish Ponder a very good year.

I do too because a QB controversy will just mean bad news.

808vikingsfan wrote:What if Cassel outshines Ponder during training and preseason? Would you still agree with Frazier to start Ponder? Call me crazy but I think you should always put your best players on the field.

You have more confidence in Cassel than I do because I'm not convinced that Cassel can beat out Ponder. I think Cassel is currently a backup QB for good reason, mainly because he's really not that good of a starter. Maybe Cassel is better than what I've seen of him. As it is, I think the Vikings signed him to be a backup to Ponder first and foremost, not to necessarily compete for a starting job, but to come in if Ponder gets hurt (which seems to happen every season).

Who knows? Maybe Ponder will end up being a professional backup QB but that's not his present role on the Vikings. Sure, if he really sucks during preseason or the regular season, the Vikings will probably insert Cassel into the starting slot. But if Ponder loses his starting job to Cassel this year, then I think the Vikings pick a potential franchise QB next year, even if they have to move up in the draft to do so. And Cassel goes right back to being a backup QB.

Unless Ponder stinks it up this season, he should have no worries losing his job. Cassel sucks. Most fans are too blind to see it because they want somebody to replace Ponder already. A lot of fans just dont know, this is not a game of Madden on playstation or xbox, you cant just swap QBs that easily and think everything will be okay.

The new starting QB will have to build chemistry with the team. Cassel mainly taken reps with the 2nd team. The team with then have to REBUILD around the new QB, which will set us back a couple of seasons.

Ponder reportedly spotty in practice..

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100000 ... s-practice

I don't think they will have a short leash on ponder, but if things get out of hand I can see cassell starting at some point.

Ponder will be the week 1 starter even if Cassell outperforms him in training camp/preseason, but I like that this news item is out there. It might motivate him a little more if he's worried about losing his job.

HornedMessiah wrote:Ponder will be the week 1 starter even if Cassell outperforms him in training camp/preseason, but I like that this news item is out there. It might motivate him a little more if he's worried about losing his job.

the Vikings will probably go down with ponder this year. I hope not. if ponder struggles cassell will probably start in 2014 i'm thinking.

hibbingviking wrote: the Vikings will probably go down with ponder this year. I hope not. if ponder struggles cassell will probably start in 2014 i'm thinking.

I believe we will stick with Ponder until we are officially out of playoff contention. Once that happens then they will give Cassell a shot to see what he has.

GQVikesFan wrote:Ponder reportedly spotty in practice..

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100000 ... s-practice

Thanks for the link but this is a complete and utter non-story. I saw the source video this morning Pelissero and Zulgad weren't impressed by what they saw from Ponder. It doesn't matter. It's June. The season is still months away and even training camp is a month away.

Mothman wrote: Thanks for the link but this is a complete and utter non-story. I saw the source video this morning Pelissero and Zulgad weren't impressed by what they saw from Ponder. It doesn't matter. It's June. The season is still months away and even training camp is a month away.

Tom wasn't impressed either? I just thought Judd was yappin his mouth again on why he hates the Vikings.

GQVikesFan wrote:Tom wasn't impressed either? I just thought Judd was yappin his mouth again on why he hates the Vikings.

LOL! For the most part, it was Judd but neither of them was impressed. They both emphasized that it's early and at this time of year it doesn't necessarily matter but then they went on about how they've seen QBs look great at this time of year too.

At this point, Ponder's under an electron microscope and he can expect every practice reporters see, every pass he throws (meaningful or not), etc. to be scrutinized, over-analyzed, and if it's not perfect, criticized. With a former NFL starter as his backup his job and performance are going to be questioned constantly until he plays well enough for long enough to shut the media up. If he can't do that, the speculation and criticism will just go on and on and with people so focused on stats and fantasy numbers these days, he may have a very hard time silencing critics even if he performs efficiently and the team wins. in the Vikes offense, he's not likely to have a lot of 300 yard, 3 TD performances and if he does, it may mean the run is getting stuffed and the defense is giving up too many points.

It will be interesting to see what happens. There will be a lot of pressure on him this season and I get the feeling the fans and media will turn on him very, very quickly if he doesn't start strong.

Jim

FWIW (not much): Final passing stats on Day 1 of Vikings minicamp: Ponder 14-of-20 with INT, Cassel 10-of-21, MBT 8-9, Vandenberg 1-2.

More minicamp/Ponder stuff (offered for what it's worth):

@TomPelissero
Just saw Ponder hit Simpson in stride ~40 yards down the field on a go ball. Was a perfect play drill, but arm strength isn't his issue.

@TomPelissero
Spurred by doubters like @1500ESPNJudd, Christian Ponder comes out firing, completes darts on first three passes.

That second one was amusing.

@TomPelissero
Ponder made it 6 in a row before a throwaway and a narrow miss to wide open John Carlson on a wheel route. One of sharper periods we've seen

@1500ESPNJudd
ALERT: Christian Ponder looking far sharper today in minicamp and I'm serious. Ponder hooks up with Burton on deep pass.

@TomPelissero
Ponder just a hit another deep ball, this one to Simpson in team. This is the sort of day I thought we might see more often.

As I posted earlier, it's June minicamp so I don't think this means any more than the negative stuff did but anyone concerned about the notes from yesterday may find some of the above encouraging.

As the metal ball pings from pong to pong to pong, it repeats. I don't believe forum members believe Ponder "can't" throw 40 yards down the field. The impression is that for some reason he won't, or rarely does; but alas, again, no receivers last year. With luck, this year will be vastly different. If not, it may be time to fortify a new Cassel!

...wisdom through opining