Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) celebrates his touchdown during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no secret that Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder has been struggling. Recently, Ponder has gotten support from Adrian Peterson and other Vikings players, but he had better not look to the team’s quarterbacks coach, Craig Johnson, for sympathy.
"Jul 27, 2012; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) passes in front of quarterbacks coach Craig Johnson in drills at training camp at Blakeslee Stadium at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports“The bottom line is — and he knows this — if you do not win the game, you’re getting the blame. That’s just the way it is. Suck it up. You’re no different than quarterbacks in every other part of the country. When you lose, you’re getting the blame. That’s part of the deal.” – Craig Johnson"
The Vikings are 0-3 and the fans and media are already pointing fingers. Many of those fingers are pointed at quarterback Christian Ponder, but many other Vikings players have been struggling as well.
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) looks on during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson’s comments about Ponder are a bit strange though. As the current quarterbacks coach, he should be working to keep Ponder confident and help him develop. Confidence is one of the most important things a quarterback in the NFL can have. With the fans chanting “Cassel” at the last game, and now this “tough love” from his coach, it won’t be a surprise if Ponder is unable to mentally recover after this 0-3 beginning.