Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) calls a play during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
That’s right. It’s that time of year again for Vikings fans to start wondering who their quarterback will be for next season. The team will have plenty of signal callers to choose from this offseason, but who the team ultimately chooses will depend on what Rick Spielman and the new coaching staff think is best.
Odds are good that the team will be moving on from former first round draft pick Christian Ponder. Although a team captained by Ponder had a 10-6 record and a playoff birth in 2012, he failed to make a good impression in 2013. During this season, he was hindered by injuries and miscues. However, the numbers tell a bit of a different story.
Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Ponder had the highest completion percentage of his career this year. He completed 63.6% of his passes. Not only that, but he had the highest number of yards per pass attempt of his career. He averaged 6.9 yards per pass this year. Despite these numbers, they didn’t translate into success for Ponder. The team sunk to a dismal record and he found himself replaced by Cassel, Freeman, and then Cassel again.
Ponder still has one year on his contract with Minnesota, but may find himself playing a backup role to whoever the Vikings choose to be their starter this upcoming year. Or he may even end up on on a different squad if a team finds themselves willing to make a trade for Ponder as a backup or to compete for a starting job.