Minnesota Vikings haven’t given up on Christian Ponder quite yet
By Jack Maloney
A few years ago, the Minnesota Vikings thought they might have found their quarterback of the future in Christian Ponder, drafting him 12th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. But throughout his three year career, Ponder has struggled mightily. He’s thrown 34 interceptions to go along with his 38 touchdowns, all while compelling a quarterback rating of just 77.3. In short, he’s not working out.
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That’s why when the Vikings had a chance to move up and snatch Teddy Bridgewater late in the first round, they jumped at it. A few months before the draft, Bridgewater, the former Louisville Cardinal, was expected to be a top three to five pick but fell sharply, almost out of the first round. That’s where the Vikings swooped in.
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With the selection of Bridgewater, it would seem Ponder’s days in Minnesota are numbered. The Vikings, however, are still making it clear that this is a competition. They haven’t made a decision on who will start at quarterback this season, and all QBs will get reps during workouts.
On Ponder ... Vikings are pushing competition. All 3 QBs will get reps w/1s. No timetable, but they'd like to go to camp w/a pecking order.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 25, 2014
While this shows they haven’t completely given up on Ponder, I would be shocked if he’s still in the picture come the start of the season. Bridgewater is too talented, and Ponder has made it clear through his play that he just doesn’t have it.