Vikings wide receivers praise Matt Cassel

The Minnesota Vikings announced that Matt Cassel will start Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Christian Ponder, who has started the first three games of the season is out with a fractured rib and could lose the job if Cassel performs well.

So far the Vikings wide receivers have expressed their support for Cassel and praised him as a leader.

Jerome Simpson:

Greg Jennings, via the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

"“We’ve been playing with Matt ever since offseason,” wide receiver Greg Jennings said Thursday. “He’s been in there with the (first team). We’ve gotten a lot of reps with him so he’s comfortable.’Comparing the quarterbacks Jennings described Cassel as “more verbal, kind of commanding in the huddle.”“If anything that’s the difference,” he said. “That comes with him having much more experience. He’s been in position where he’s had to be a starter for years now. He knows what’s going on. He’s commanding. So is Christian. But as far as throwing the ball it is what it is. Matt’s a very smart guy.”"

If Cassel performs well he could stake is claim to the starting job, like Colin Kaepernick filling in for Alex Smith last year. Their career stats have them some what even.

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.