Vikings.com Reinforces Impression That Christian Ponder Is a Non-Factor

Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) looks on from the sidelines during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at the Metrodome. The Texans won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

I know what Rick Spielman will say if you ask him who his starting quarterback is for 2014.

He’ll talk about Matt Cassel, and then he’ll talk about Christian Ponder, and then he’ll talk about the possibility of drafting a quarterback, and then he’ll talk about how excited he is about all the different options.

And it will all be a load of baloney because we know Matt Cassel is the starter and that’s the way they want it.

Don’t believe me? Just check out the video packages from the first day of Vikings minicamp on Vikings.com.

There’s a highlight reel of the Vikings practicing. I see a lot of Matt Cassel. This is the one glimpse I think I got of Christian Ponder sort of lurking in the background in the vicinity of Norv Turner.

That could be Ponder or it could be the ghost boy from Three Men and a Baby. Not sure which.

There’s also a photo gallery with about 10,000 pictures of Mike Zimmer, Adrian Peterson, Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Rudolph. And one shot of Ponder (so we know he was there at least).

Further reinforcing the impression that Matt Cassel is the undisputed starter at quarterback? This interview with Matt Cassel.

Note the lack of any questions about Ponder. Any mention of Ponder. Any reference to a forthcoming quarterback competition.

On the basis of what the Vikings chose to let us see from day 1 of minicamp, Ponder barely exists.

Not trying to stir anything up, just saying: Please Vikings, don’t try to sell me on the idea that there’s a chance Ponder could earn the starting job.

Ponder is out of the picture and you have acknowledged it, consciously or otherwise. If Ponder ends up starting it’s only because all your plans went terribly awry.

I know it’s embarrassing to admit Rick Spielman’s biggest draft pick ever was also one of the worst picks in the history of the franchise, but that’s just the reality. Playing coy won’t change it.

Just say in public that Cassel is the starter and be done with it.

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