Christian Ponder says Vikings’ job is Matt Cassel’s
By Cory Buck
Christian Ponder hasn’t had a dreamy tenure in Minnesota, but at least now with a few years of seasoning, the former Florida State standout has a little more patience and perspective on the whole process of fighting for a starting QB job. After being handed the reins maybe a little too early as a rookie, Ponder understands that the Minnesota Vikings aren’t his team. For now, anyways.
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As we discussed yesterday, Ponder appears resigned to the fact that he’s lost the QB1 spot in Minnesota. However, it seemed like a toss up between him and Matt Cassel since the Vikings traded up to the 32nd overall spot in the draft to select Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater. Ponder told the Pioneer Press, “We’ll see how it plays out once it goes to training camp, but obviously there’s an agenda to try to get Teddy ready, and Cassel’s the starter right now.”
Still, as Ponder notes, “football’s a crazy game,” and anything can happen. If Bridgewater doesn’t emerge from camp as the clear starter, then Ponder could have a chance to supplant Cassel, who hasn’t exactly been Johnny Unitas during his tenure in the NFL. Cassel totaled 1,807 passing yards to go with 11 TDs and 9 INTs in 9 starts for Minnesota in 2013 while Ponder tallied 1,648 passing yards with 7 TDs and 9 INTs. Let’s just say we don’t blame Vikings fans if they want nothing to do with either guy starting.
For now, Ponder’s reps are limited, but it appears he’s willing to be patient and bide his time for a chance with Minnesota or anyone else who cares to watch.