Ponder Disappointed And Frustrated With QB Situation
By Adam Carlson
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
Christian Ponder is in an awkward situation in Minnesota. He was once the “quarterback of the future” for the Vikings when they selected him as the #12 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Since then, Ponder has been given many opportunities to succeed with the organization. But now, Ponder feels that the job is slipping away from him…and he doesn’t like it.
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
Within the past year, the Vikings have brought in former starting quarterbacks in Matt Cassel and Josh Freeman. Both these players are stiff competition for Ponder and have a solid chance of beating him out for the starting job if the team opens it up to competition.
The problem with that, is that it isn’t a competition anymore. Well, at least not for Ponder.
"“It’s not an open competition, but I just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing,” head coach Leslie Frazier said. “We’ll go through practice tomorrow and see where those guys are.”"
Nov 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) looks on during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Most assumed that the comment meant that if Ponder were healthy, he would be the starter. Judging by the comments Ponder made and the performance of Matt Cassel in Ponder’s absence, that also is not the case. Recently, Ponder talked with 1500ESPN and had some words to say about it.
"“Some of the dynamics of this organization have changed obviously with brining in Josh,” Ponder said. “I would be lying if I didn’t say it was a little bit disappointing and frustrating.”"
Despite those emotions, Ponder seems hopeful to stay in Minnesota. Perhaps in a backup role, or maybe as competition to the starting quarterback.
"“Again, I have no idea what is going to happen. I hope to still be here,” Ponder said. “That’s the front office’s call. You never know, as we’ve seen in the past week, what’s going to happen. Just in our talks, they are still supportive, which is good. They brought in another quarterback, but you know, they’re still supportive. In the past few years, you figure out where your confidence needs to lie in and sometimes it’s not on the football field. There’s more important things and when that happens, it’s funny how your confidence on the field works out.”"
Right now, the future of Christian Ponder is up in the air. However, it seems like the days of Christian Ponder being the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings is over.