How Much Longer Does Ponder Get?

Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Social Media is on FIRE when it comes to Vikings Quarterback Christian Ponder.  The chants for him to be benched have amplified after Sunday’s game while the cheers for him to stay have quieted.

While fans are losing confidence in the passer, you have to wonder if the Vikings front office and coaching staff are feeling the same way.  Like other fans, I was willing to give Ponder some time to develop.  This is his third year in the NFL and he is finally surrounded by some weapons in the passing game.  The excuses for Christian Ponder have to stop now.

Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) on the bench in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The newest excuse for Christian Ponder’s poor play on Sunday was the offensive line.  Although the team brought back all 5 starters on the line this year, it seemed as though they failed to contain the hefty Lions pass rush.  Perhaps this is a fluke or just because of the level of competition in Detroit, but at some point people have to accept that Ponder makes mistakes that quarterbacks shouldn’t make at this point in his NFL career.

If Christian Ponder fails to show improvement over last year, it is likely that the team will pull the plug on him and insert former Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel.  There are only two questions left to answer when it comes to Ponder.  Can he get better?  And how long is the team willing to wait to see if he can?