Prediction for next season starting QB will be ......

[Webbfann]

As for Raptorman's scenario: it's FAR from optimal but it wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen.

I can't agree. Name one thing worse that could happen, other than plague, pestilence or nuclear holocaust. Ok, name even one FOOTBALL thing that would be worse than Ponder starting. There is only one thing that could be worse, and that would be bringing in dogboy Vick. Either way, Ponder or dogboy, I won't watch the Vikings. Any other scenario I at least watch them now and then.

[Mothman]

I can't agree. Name one thing worse that could happen...

They could name Joe Webb the starting quarterback.

People really need to stop acting as if Ponder is the Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse.

[Eli]

You have a very short memory.

[Webbfann]

I can't agree. Name one thing worse that could happen...

They could name Joe Webb the starting quarterback.

People really need to stop acting as if Ponder is the Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse.

Webb with a good coach would beat the daylights out of Ponder with a good coach.




Not that I think he's the best option, but he's also not the worst option. If Webb had ever gotten half the chance Ponder did, and some people STILL want to give him , he would be hands down the better QB.

[Mothman]

You have a very short memory.

No, I'm just keeping things in perspective. They won 10 games with Ponder as their only starter in 2012 and if nothing else changed but the defense being able to actually hold a lead in the final 2 minutes of a game, they could have had a winning record in his starts last season. In other words, even though he didn't play well, they were still in position to win most of the games he started.

I'm not advocating that Ponder start in 2014 or even advocating that he remain on the team (frankly, I think it would probably be better for everyone involved to part ways) but if he is on the team, it probably won't be with any expectation from the Vikings that he's their long term answer. They're extremely likely to add a young QB this offseason so IF Ponder starts next year, it would almost certainly be as a stopgap and they can win games and be competitive in that scenario. It's sure as hell not ideal but it's not like playing Ponder at QB would automatically translate into a losing season. Improve the defense, improve the OL and even if they're stuck with Ponder, they could win 8-10 games.

[Mothman]

Webb with a good coach would beat the daylights out of Ponder with a good coach.



Not that I think he's the best option, but he's also not the worst option. If Webb had ever gotten half the chance Ponder did, and some people STILL want to give him , he would be hands down the better QB.

I doubt it but your devotion to him is admirable.

[Just Me]

They could name Joe Webb the starting quarterback.

People really need to stop acting as if Ponder is the Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse.

It seems we've all misunderstood the Mayan end of the world prediction on 12/12/12. They simply knew that Ponder was the QB in 2012 and they somehow knew that the coaching staff would decide in top secret meetings (held on 12/12/12 - which all coaches will deny happened, proving that it did occur and was top secret) that Ponder was going to be the de facto starter going into 2013. So the world really did end on 12/12/12, and we just didn't recognize it. Never doubt the Mayans, baby!

[Mothman]

It seems we've all misunderstood the Mayan end of the world prediction on 12/12/12. They simply knew that Ponder was the QB in 2012 and they somehow knew that the coaching staff would decide in top secret meetings (held on 12/12/12 - which all coaches will deny happened, proving that it did occur and was top secret) that Ponder was going to be the de facto starter going into 2013. So the world really did end on 12/12/12, and we just didn't recognize it. Never doubt the Mayans, baby!

Even Ponder's name is a sham. "Christian" is just an effort to cover up his true Mayan roots. His real name is Buluc Chabtan Ponder.

[frosted]

I would cry if they named Webb the starting quarterback. I am sorry, but you can't let hateful Ponder bias get in the way of your football judgement.

Ponder is an awful quarterback.

But Joe Webb is horrendous.

The best course of action, IMO, would be to part ways with both Chris(tian) Ponder, and Joseph Webb. Hopefully keep Matthew Cassell, and consider your options when the 8th pick of the draft comes up. If Jonathan Manziel or Theodore Bridgewater are available, you pull the trigger. If not, you go BPA, and you wait until your later picks, and take a long hard look at guys such as (included, but not limited to) James Garoppolo or perhaps Zachary Boogereater. Whoever it is, Matthew will serve as a "bridge", so to speak, and hopefully keep the seat warm until the rookie is ready. I suppose we would have to sign a veteran to be the third QB in my scenario. Perhaps Charles Whitehurst (not really, but it fit this post).

[frosted]

As much as Boogereater's off field problems and eating of his boogers scares me, I just heard PA on KFAN saying that someone "who matters", explained to him that he fits Norv's offense better than any other QB in the draft.

Which is very valid. Big arm, pocket quarterbacks, great size, etc. There are some red flags, but ehh. I wouldn't be opposed I suppose.

[Delaqure]

I agree with Mothman here. If Cassel is gone then we need to keep Ponder. He's right in that if the D could have held we would have won a couple of more games. Ponder doesn't give us the chance to win consistently nor does he give us the chance at a Super Bowl but he does give us the better chance if it comes down to him or Webb. I still think Cassel is back next year. Only a few more weeks and we will know.

[Just Me]

I agree with Mothman here. If Cassel is gone then we need to keep Ponder. He's right in that if the D could have held we would have won a couple of more games. Ponder doesn't give us the chance to win consistently nor does he give us the chance at a Super Bowl but he does give us the better chance if it comes down to him or Webb. I still think Cassel is back next year. Only a few more weeks and we will know.

Ditto. If Cassel leaves this axiom comes to mind: In the land of the blind, the one-eyed-man is King.

Ponder is (by far) not the ideal solution for us, but he may be the "best we've got to work with", when it's all said and done. Personally, I think Cassel's best chance to get another shot at starting is with us. The Vikings may be Cassel's best option at this point in time, so while neither wants to commit in the long term, both parties might find it a good solution for the short term.

[w_huisman]

I realize our opinions may be a bit skewed, but....

Of all of the other QB needy teams, are we (probably) not the closest to being a playoff contender with the addition of steady QB play?

If so, then why would Cassel "want" to go anywhere else (unless someone else is willing to pay more for him)?

[King James]

Joe Webb???? He is not QB material. He never was and never will be. He played for UAB, a small school in Birmingham, AL. Who may face one top school all year and get blown out. I doubt he will even make the roster next year because he's not much of a WR either. We should've kept Stephon Burton but I think Frazier was overly-committed to Webb. Ponder might not start this year but he has to stay atleast one season. He's the only guaranteed QB we have because we don't know what Cassel or Freeman will do. And we don't know how the draft will work because we're not in a favorable spot to draft a QB in the 1st.

[Mothman]

I realize our opinions may be a bit skewed, but....

Of all of the other QB needy teams, are we (probably) not the closest to being a playoff contender with the addition of steady QB play?

If so, then why would Cassel "want" to go anywhere else (unless someone else is willing to pay more for him)?

Money would be one potential factor and the Vikings plans might be another. If there's a team that believes he could start for them for a few years (and I hope the Vikings aren't that team) an opportunity like that might be more appealing than being a one year bridge to a young QB.

However, I don't know if there's a team that would view Cassel that way. I suspect he'll be back and then we can all rejoice in having a QB who managed a passer rating 3.7 points better than Ponder's last season!