Matt Cassel will start sunday

Aug 16, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) takes a drink before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

For Minnesota Vikings fans the Christian Ponder era has ended, at least temporarily. The Vikings will start quarterback Matt Cassel against the Steelers on Sunday in London.

Matt Cassel will start at QB for the #Vikings this Sunday. #PITvsMIN #NFLUK
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 27, 2013

Previously the Vikings had indicated that they would prefer to stick with Ponder.

“We want Christian to play,” Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said earlier in the week.

Cassel completed 57.4% of his passes in Kansas City for a total of 9,549 yards, 59 touchdowns and 44 interceptions. Ponder has been slightly better in his time in Minnesota, completing 59.2% of his passes for 5,547 yards, 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.

Earlier in the week, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady even hinted that his friend Matt Cassel could be starting.

“I’m friends with both those guys. Matt Cassel, who may be starting this weekend. Brian, I text back and forth,” Brady said.

Cassel could make a case to keep the job with a big win over the Steelers and a strong performance. The Steelers of course will be strongly motivated as they look for their first win as well.

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