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Christian Ponder News & Rumors

Can Ponder navigate the chaos of the NFL?
May 17
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Patrick Reusse
"There seems to be a fraternity among quarterbacks who played at a significant level of competition. This has to be based on the fact that they are playing the most difficult position to master in sports. Anyone unwilling to accept that theory should figure out a way to stand behind the opposite end zone as a quarterback attempts to advance his team down the field. What appear to be missed receivers from the press box and the stands becomes a chaos of colors and bodies when seeing the field horizontally, as does a quarterback. I was behind the end zone at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium on Jan. 11, 1987, when John Elway and the Denver Broncos took possession at the 2-yard line with 5 minutes"
Ponder, Kalil ready to team up on field
May 3
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings second-year quarterback Christian Ponder and recent first-round draft choice Matt Kalil got to know each before the Southern California left tackle made his pre-draft visit to Winter Park. "It was a few months prior to the draft," Kalil recalled about his first meeting with Ponder. "He was in Los Angeles, he and [New Orleans Saints quarterback] Drew Brees were throwing at UCLA and he's with the same agency as I am, so we all had dinner together and it was pretty fun. "I liked him a lot. I definitely saw him after the draft, and he had a big smile on his face when I saw him in the Vikings facility. I'm looking forward to getting to know him, and I can't wait to be blocking for him."
Vikings QB Christian Ponder on the draft: 'This is my team'
May 3
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"This is Christian Ponder's show now. The Vikings didn't draft a quarterback in last week's NFL draft. A potential premier left tackle, fourth overall pick Matt Kalil, is headed to Minnesota to protect Ponder. Recently signed downfield weapons Jerome Simpson and John Carlson and a pair of fourth-round receivers from Arkansas (Jarius Wright and Greg Childs) could help inject life into a sagging vertical passing game. Ponder now has help and the chance to maximize his potential, and he's taking full advantage. In his first real offseason with the Vikings, the second-year quarterback plans to assume a leadership position and not look back."
Christian Ponder receives new best friend in draft
April 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Vikings have a long-term vision for protecting quarterback Christian Ponder's blind side, and he comes to Minnesota in a package measuring 6 feet 6, 308 pounds, with a wingspan of 81-1/2 inches, nimble feet, a football pedigree and an open invitation to start Week 1. Southern California left tackle Matt Kalil, scouted as a once-in-a-generation pass protector and run blocker, was targeted immediately after a disastrous 3-13 season in which Ponder, the franchise quarterback, was sacked 30 times in just 10 starts as a rookie. General manager Rick Spielman was so confident he would get his man he flipped positions with the Cleveland Browns, moving down to No. 4 and acquiring three more"
Christian Ponder's season up for review
January 25
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings quarterbacks coach Craig Johnson imagines Christian Ponder is in the head-shaking phase of his postseason evaluation. "They go back, watch all their tape and figure out, 'Man, what was I doing?' " said Johnson, who, along with the rest of the Vikings staff, is coaching the Senior Bowl's North team this week. "That's pretty normal." Ponder's rookie season was an amalgam of promise and curiosity, in which he threw for 300-plus yards one moment and was benched after a three-interception performance the next. In 11 games and 10 starts, Ponder completed 54.3 percent of his passes for 1,853 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He finished the season with a hip pointer that affected"
Ponder reflects on dizzying rookie season
January 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder took time out Wednesday morning to visit with Dan Patrick, providing an inside breakdown of an eye-opening rookie season. Ponder talked about a variety of topics -- from the big hits that left him dizzy this season to his endorsement of the Saints as the pick to win the NFC. Ponder's season ended in the second quarter Sunday at Mall of America Field when a big hit from Bears defensive end Israel Idonije aggravated a hip pointer that Ponder originally suffered four weeks earlier against Denver. The shot from Idonije came just eight days after Ponder left the Vikings' 33-26 win in Washington with a concussion. That injury came after a big hit from"
Vikings QB Ponder questionable to return after hip injury
January 1
NFL.com
 
"Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder limped off the field during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, a common site for the Minnesota Vikings this season. Ponder walked off under his own power after he was hit by Bears defensive lineman Isreal Idonije and was later carted off the sideline. He clutched his right hip after the hit, and was grimicing in pain as he limped badly. The Vikings announced that Ponder suffered a hip injury and was questionable to return."
Sunday's season finale could be 2012 audition for Christian Ponder, Joe Webb
December 29
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Each of the key players in the Vikings' quarterback drama comes from a different perspective. Backup Joe Webb is waiting in case there's another chance to play the hero. Coach Leslie Frazier is quietly observing his quarterbacks and hoping to end the season on a two-game winning streak before assessing the long-term vision of the position. Rookie Christian Ponder is simply trying to fight back after getting bruised and battered this month. "I want to finish strong and have some momentum going into the offseason," Ponder said Wednesday. Ponder remains the Vikings' starting quarterback entering Sunday's season finale against the Chicago Bears in the Metrodome. But he resembled a walking"
Ponder back at practice, expected to start Sunday
December 29
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"After suffering a concussion on Christmas Eve in Washington, Christian Ponder was cleared to return to practice today and is in line to make his 10th consecutive start when the Vikings host the Bears on Sunday at Mall of America Field. Following a productive practice, Ponder met with reporters and revealed that he had scored well on the post-concussion tests issued by the team and the NFL to determine whether a player is fit to return to action. "I feel good today," Ponder said. "I had a slight headache Saturday night. But by Sunday and Monday I was feeling fine. I saw the neurologist yesterday and he cleared everything. And I passed all my baseline tests. I guess I actually scored higher"
Vikings hope Christian Ponder is able to play in season finale
December 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Despite a disastrous past three weeks, Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder might recover from his concussion in time to punctuate this season with a positive performance in the season finale against Chicago on Sunday. Either way, Joe Webb will be ready. "Christian is still our No. 1 quarterback, but you do have to take a real good look at Joe," coach Leslie Frazier said. Ponder, who suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the Vikings' 33-26 win over Washington on Saturday, is improving but must pass the NFL's protocol before returning to play. Ponder must pass the ImPACT test, exercise without symptoms and get clearance from both a physician and the NFL's neurologist in order to be"
Lions' Stephen Tulloch fined $10,000 for hit on Vikings' Ponder
December 16
Detroit News
 
"Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch has been fined $10,000 by the NFL for a hit in last Sunday's game. The NFL determined that Tulloch's block on Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder during an interception return was away from the play."
Ponder, Webb pose puzzler for Vikings coaches
December 14
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"A snapshot look at the Vikings as they prepare for Sunday's game at Mall of America Field against the Saints. Players in the spotlight Quarterbacks Christian Ponder and Joe Webb, both have the coaching staff scratching their heads for different reasons. Ponder, the rookie starter, has committed seven turnovers over the past two weeks, struggles that often lead to a noticeable confidence dip. Asked if Ponder's errors against the Lions signified a step backward in his development, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier sighed. "I think time will tell," he said. Ponder has three weeks left this season to show he's capable of making better decisions more consistently. The coaches, meanwhile, also have"
QB job still Ponder's when healthy
December 12
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Sid Hartman
"Is there a quarterback controversy between Joe Webb and Christian Ponder, after the way Webb played in place of Ponder in the Vikings' 34-28 loss at Detroit on Sunday? I don't think so. I think Ponder, when healthy, will still be the No. 1 quarterback. But Webb might get another chance to perform Sunday against the Saints. Still, give Webb credit for making the most of the snaps he took in practice this past week with Ponder injured. Once Webb took over in the second half, he scored on a 65-yard run, threw a 2-yard TD pass to Toby Gerhart, then marched the Vikings down to the Lions 1-yard line in the final seconds before his final-play fumble, which occurred after a clear facemask penalty"
Ponder will start, Peterson inactive
December 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder will start today at Detroit, while running back Adrian Peterson will be inactive for the third consecutive game because of his left ankle sprain. Ponder practiced only on Friday this week after suffering a hip pointer in last week's loss to the Broncos."
Christian Ponder "confident" he'll be able to start Sunday
December 10
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"From pool exercises to ultrasound treatments, Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder is spending 11-hour days at the team's Winter Park facility in an effort to play Sunday against Detroit. "Fun times," said Ponder, who is listed as questionable because of a hip injury despite practicing Friday. Ponder said he has been encouraged by the hip's improvement but isn't sure whether the swelling and tightness will subside before Sunday. Ponder took a helmet to the hip in the first quarter of Sunday's 35-32 loss to Denver. "I'm confident that I'll be able to go. I think it's a matter of my effectiveness," he said. "I don't know how effective I'll be. I would like to think I'd be playing 100"
Ponder still out; Webb to start?
December 9
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings backup quarterback Joe Webb inched closer to getting his first start in 2011 after Christian Ponder sat out his second consecutive practice Thursday. If Ponder (hip pointer) is unable to get quality work in with the first-team offense today, the rookie is unlikely to play Sunday at Detroit's Ford Field, where Webb started his last game - a 20-13 loss to the Lions on Jan. 2. "If he's not able to do much of anything tomorrow, we're going to be hard-pressed to see him playing in a game," coach Leslie Frazier said. The Vikings are more optimistic running back Adrian Peterson, sidelined two games with a high ankle sprain, will return after making considerable progress Thursday. "It was"
Peterson, Ponder uncertain to play because of injuries
December 9
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson was back at practice Thursday. Christian Ponder was not. Where that leaves the Vikings offense heading into Sunday's game in Detroit is anybody's guess. Both players could be ready for action. Equally possible: Neither Peterson nor Ponder plays against the Lions. In that regard, Friday's practice will now be a major measuring stick for coach Leslie Frazier as he weighs his options with both players. Peterson has been out because of a high ankle sprain since the first quarter of the Vikings' Week 11 loss to the Raiders. Thursday marked his first practice since suffering the injury. And Frazier sensed the star running back feeling more comfortable with his cutting. "He's"
Peterson, Ponder uncertain to play because of injuries
December 9
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson was back at practice Thursday. Christian Ponder was not. Where that leaves the Vikings offense heading into Sunday's game in Detroit is anybody's guess. Both players could be ready for action. Equally possible: Neither Peterson nor Ponder plays against the Lions. In that regard, Friday's practice will now be a major measuring stick for coach Leslie Frazier as he weighs his options with both players. Peterson has been out because of a high ankle sprain since the first quarter of the Vikings' Week 11 loss to the Raiders. Thursday marked his first practice since suffering the injury. And Frazier sensed the star running back feeling more comfortable with his cutting. "He's"
Musgrave worried about Ponder's hip
December 8
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"That pesky hip pointer is still bothering Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder. The rookie is once again absent from practice this afternoon. And while Ponder said Wednesday he fully expects to play this weekend in Detroit, you can only wonder how limited he will be. Don't forget that part of what makes Ponder dangerous is his ability to make plays on the move. And if his hip continues to be a significant bother, that could greatly hinder a Vikings offense that will need all the spark it can get Sunday. This morning, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave expressed concern about Ponder's injury. "He didn't look too good walking [Wednesday]," Musgrave said."
Injury to limit Ponder in practice
December 6
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings backup quarterback Joe Webb will get reps with the first-team offense on Wednesday as rookie starter Christian Ponder practices only a limited basis because of a hip pointer suffered early in Sunday's 35-32 loss to the Broncos. Sage Rosenfels, who was signed on Friday to be the team's No. 3 quarterback, wouldn't be a candidate to start at Detroit, said coach Leslie Frazier, who is hopeful Ponder will be able to make his seventh career start on Sunday. "It's a hip pointer," Frazier said. "He's a guy that has relied on his mobility at times, and [hip pointers] can be a little tricky. But trainers are telling me that he should be fine. He's going to take a few days, but he should be"
Ponder will be limited this week with hip-pointer
December 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Even during a 2-10 disaster, it's never good when the head coach steps to the podium the day after a game and announces the most significant injury belongs to the quarterback. Rookie Christian Ponder has a hip-pointer compliments of the beating he took during Sunday's 35-32 loss to the Broncos at Mall of America Field. Coach Leslie Frazier said the hit that caused the injury came early on, which makes sense since Ponder was seen limping very early in the game. Ponder stayed in the game and threw for 381 yards, a franchise rookie record, but he also turned the ball over three times, leading to 10 points and costing at least another 3 because his fumble came in the red zone."
Monday (Ponder over Tebow) edition: Wha' Happened?
December 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"In the midst of yesterday's game -- which we'll admit was preceded by the consumption of one pound of bacon (pre-cooked weight, in our defense?) -- we were asked by Local Quipster whether right at that instant we would take Tebow or Christian Ponder as our starting QB. And without a hitch, we (as well as commenter Brandon) replied, "Ponder." With almost 24 hours of hindsight and a chance to digest some if not all of that bacon -- as well as plenty of game action -- our answer is most definitely the same."
Tebowing trumps Pondering
December 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Jim Souhan
"One quarterback left the field with his helmet on, wearing it more for refuge than protection, moving like his cleats were made of lead. The other quarterback left much later, after hugging everyone in sight and conducting television interviews, his helmet off, grin radiating, fans screaming his name. The first quarterback threw for 381 yards and three touchdowns, setting a franchise rookie record for passing yards in a game. The second quarterback won. Sunday, Tebowing beat Pondering, and by the end of the day Tim Tebow's successes and Christian Ponder's failures no longer seemed so mysterious."
Broncos' defense braces for mobile Vikings QB Ponder
December 2
Denver Post
 
"No, the Vikings haven't gone as far as running the option, but the Broncos say Minnesota rookie quarterback Christian Ponder can do some damage running the ball if they're not careful. "He's absolutely mobile," Broncos safety Brian Dawkins? said. "You can kind of see him pull away from guys when he tucks the ball and decides to run with it. Then, he has the mobility to get outside the pocket and still put the ball on the money down the field." Ponder, the 12th pick in the April draft, has started the past five games for the Vikings since replacing Donovan McNabb?. Ponder ran the ball only 18 times in those games, but he rushed for 71 yards two weeks ago against the Raiders."
Christian Ponder-Tim Tebow college rivalry turns pro
December 1
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Overshadowed for years by the Tim Tebow phenomenon while playing at Florida State, the Vikings' Christian Ponder finally can one-up the Denver Broncos quarterback. And not just with a victory Sunday in the Metrodome. Ponder's skill set is widely considered more suited for an NFL offense, which could translate to more long-term success despite Tebow's 5-1 record as a starter this year. "It definitely felt better to get drafted higher than your rival," said Ponder, the 12th overall pick in the 2011 draft, a year after the Broncos selected Tebow 25th overall. "But only time will tell who has the better NFL career." While Tebow burnished Heisman Trophy and national championship trophies at"
Vikings' Christian Ponder faces career-defining comeback - then, nothing
November 21
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Despite the five turnovers, suspect pass protection, penalty contagion, Adrian Peterson's ankle injury and a Keystone Kops litany of errors, the Vikings and quarterback Christian Ponder still had the fate of Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders in their hands. But like so much associated with this wretched season, the opportunity was wasted, and a simmering comeback fizzled as Minnesota failed to produce a clutch scoring drive in the waning minutes of a 27-21 loss at the Metrodome. Trailing by six points after roaring back from a 20-point deficit, the Vikings defense overcame a rash of penalties and forced Oakland to punt, handing the ball to Ponder and the offense at the Raiders'"
Ponder not interested in comparisons with Rodgers
November 14
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Christian Ponder, the Vikings rookie quarterback who will start for the second time against Green Bay on Monday night, won't be trying to emulate anything that the great Aaron Rodgers does. I've seen some NFL quarterbacks quoted as saying they have learned some by watching Rodgers, who is considered by many experts to be the best quarterback in the league. But Ponder shies away from that. "I try not to compare myself. I try not to think of it as competing against the other quarterback. I'm really competing with the defense," said Ponder, who nonetheless does share some similarities with Rodgers in the style they roll out. Ponder said it will be fun for him Monday night. "It's going to be a"
Rodgers, Ponder share swagger
November 13
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Sid Hartman
"The Vikings will face the hottest quarterback in the NFL Monday night in the Packers' Aaron Rodgers. Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell, who played for Green Bay when Rodgers was drafted 24th overall in the first round in 2005, was asked to compare Rodgers in his first year with Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder. "We had picked late in the first round, 24, 25 or something, and picked [Rodgers]. But you could tell right away, much like when we drafted [Matt] Hasselbeck in the sixth round [in 1998] and some of the other quarterbacks that were there, that he had that X-factor that you need as a great quarterback. "It's that swagger that good quarterbacks have. It's not like ego, it's not one of"
Can rookie QB Christian Ponder end Vikings' run of prime-time futility?
November 11
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder faces the toughest test since his ascension to the starting job at the same time his team needs a savior from its prime-time ineptitude. The Vikings enter Monday night's game at Green Bay with a 2-8 record in their past 10 prime-time games and have been outscored 279-185 in those games, including a 39-10 pounding by Chicago in Week 6. After recording a 4-2 record on "Monday Night Football" from 2005-08, the Vikings have lost four of their past five MNF games. ESPN doesn't plan to focus on the Vikings' prime-time struggles. Bill Hofheimer, spokesman for "Monday Night Football," said in an email that the broadcast team of Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and Mike"
Ponder's cool under fire sparks new Vikings spirit
November 1
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Quick: Name Christian Ponder's top three highlights from Sunday's 24-21 victory at Carolina. Having trouble? That's OK. After all, the rookie quarterback's effort in his first NFL road start wasn't necessarily made for "SportsCenter." But it was designed for the win column, a steady effort with few mistakes. And if you needed further proof that this charismatic 23-year-old not only has big-time potential but the patience to stay within himself, that came in the fourth quarter. The Vikings defense had just forced its third consecutive three-and-out. Score tied 21-21, Ponder took over the huddle with 9:53 left. Ball on the Vikings 15-yard line. Over the next seven minutes and change, Ponder"
Ponder proves his mettle
October 31
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"On the final play of his first NFL victory, Christian Ponder knelt, then popped up, and as the clock ticked to zero, he cradled the game ball and wandered through the mosh pit of players, shaking hands. Guys have gotten more excited about getting audited. "I don't even know what happened to the whole gun-shooting thing," he said later, poking fun at his touchdown celebration the previous week. "Guess I forgot." What is most striking about Ponder is the casualness with which he makes the difficult look routine. Sunday, his poise and clutch passing helped the Vikings to a 24-21 decision over Carolina at Bank of America Stadium."
McNabb on whether he should be starter: 'Absolutely'
October 30
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"What's next for Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb? Who knows? The 13th-year veteran is back in a back-up role. And barring an injury to rookie Christian Ponder or a release from the team, McNabb will be seen for the rest of 2011 on the Vikings sideline with his hat on backwards. On Sunday morning, the NFL Network will air an exclusive interview with McNabb. Andrea Kremer recently sat down with the demoted quarterback, who wanted to get a few things straight. The interview will air on NFL GameDay Morning which begins Sunday at 8 a.m. Among the highlights, McNabb addresses recent rumors that a poor work ethic led to his benching. Here are a few excerpts from the interview ... Kremer: "Why"
Ponder's rise predicated on poise
October 30
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"There wasn't much from a physical standpoint that stood out about little Christian Ponder as he was growing up in Colleyville, Texas, about 30 miles northwest of Dallas. "Looked like your normal little kid," said Chris Cunningham, the football coach a Colleyville-Heritage High School at the time. "You didn't look at him and say, 'Now there's a kid who's going to be a starter at Florida State and in the NFL.'" There was, however, an intangible that caught Cunningham's eye when he first saw Ponder in the fall of 2001. It's the same intangible Vikings fans noticed in Ponder's NFL rookie starting debut last week. It's also what they hope Ponder takes with him to Carolina for his road starting"
Parallels emerge in QB matchup
October 30
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Jim Souhan
"When Cam Newton scores a touchdown, which is often, he rips open an imaginary shirt, imitating Superman. When Christian Ponder threw his first NFL touchdown on Sunday, he ran down the field firing imaginary guns like the Shooter McGavin character from "Happy Gilmore." While one channels a hero and the other embraces a parody, Newton and Ponder, two rookie quarterbacks who will meet today in Charlotte, share an intriguing set of connections and similarities. They worked out together this summer with St. Paul native and former Florida State star Chris Weinke. They were both selected in the first round of the 2011 draft. Their fathers tried out for the Dallas Cowboys in 1983. They might have"
Sizing up Sunday's Christian Ponder vs. Cam Newton matchup
October 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Christian Ponder got an up-close look at Cam Newton's physical prowess over the summer while the two worked out at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Ponder, the Vikings' starting quarterback, is an adequate athlete for a quarterback, runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds and can scramble for first downs, when necessary. But he quickly learned his speed paled in comparison to what Newton can do with his 6-foot-5, 248-pound frame. "With how big he is and how fast he is, he really is a physical freak," said the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Ponder of the Carolina Panthers' starter. "I'd like to say I'm as athletic as him, but probably not." Their distinctly unique styles will be on display when the rookies"
Already well-acquainted, rookie QBs ready to battle
October 27
Charlotte Observer
 
"For the few weeks they trained together at the IMG Academy in Florida, Christian Ponder always knew when he could find Cam Newton – first thing in the morning. "It was great to have him so he could push me. I think we're so competitive we always try to one-up the other guy," Ponder said Wednesday. "The earlier he would come in to throw and watch film, the earlier I would try to get there. He's really competitive and he's well-natured, and I enjoyed being with him." The rookie quarterbacks and training partners will meet Sunday at Bank of America Stadium when Ponder gets his second start for Minnesota."
Vikings spotlight: Ponder's first start shows mix of potential and inexperience
October 24
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Nervous energy stirred Christian Ponder awake at 5:30 a.m. Sunday at the Vikings' downtown Minneapolis hotel. The rookie quarterback fell back asleep but was up again at 6:15. The 3:15 p.m. kickoff at the Metrodome could not come soon enough for Ponder, the 23-year-old first-round draft pick, to assume command of the reeling Vikings against the undefeated and defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers. He made up for his lack of shuteye with an eye-opening debut that started with a record flourish but ended with him standing on the sideline as the Packers drained the clock for a 33-27 victory that branded Ponder 0-1 as an NFL starter and plunged the Vikings to 1-6 on the season. In"
Vikings lose game but gain some hope with Christian Ponder
October 24
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Tom Powers
"For a brief moment, at least, everything was absolutely perfect in the midst of this terrible football season. On the first play from scrimmage Sunday, Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder rolled to his left and released the football. It flew straight and true and landed in the arms of receiver Michael Jenkins, who didn't have to break stride. Jenkins kept going all the way to the end zone. The play covered 73 yards, and just like that, the Vikings led the hated Green Bay Packers 6-0. The Metrodome was shaking to its very foundation. Suddenly, all the rest of it was forgotten. All the tawdriness and disappointment was shoved to the back burner. Even as that play unfolded, starting"
Franchise wakes up to a new day at quarterback
October 24
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Jim Souhan
"Christian Ponder couldn't sleep. He awoke in the Vikings' team hotel at 5:30 Sunday morning, then again at 6:15, while contemplating his first NFL start. He'd be leading a losing team against the Super Bowl champs, would be dueling with one of the best quarterbacks in the game while trying to rally teammates who the previous week played with all of the enthusiasm of guys in orange jumpsuits picking up roadside trash. Technically, Ponder failed as a quarterback on Sunday. The Vikings lost 33-27 to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Ponder threw 19 incompletions in his 32 attempts, and during a horrific third quarter Packers cornerback Charles Woodson caught two more of Ponder's passes than his"
Christian Ponder faces daunting task in first start
October 23
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Aaron Rodgers knows how Christian Ponder might feel today when the Vikings rookie steps through the velvet rope into the exclusive club of NFL starting quarterbacks. "He's got to be real excited. This is what we dream about as kids," said the reigning Super Bowl most valuable player. Rodgers not only survived his Week 1 initiation with Green Bay in 2008 but thrived despite seemingly unbearable expectations after replacing Lambeau Field legend Brett Favre. He finished an efficient 18 of 22 for 178 yards, with one throwing touchdown and another rushing, and led the Packers to a 24-19 victory over the Vikings that validated his Cheesehead credentials. Ponder replaces once-prolific quarterback"
Vikings toss first-round pick Ponder into the fire
October 23
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"It happened to him 26 years ago, but Randall Cunningham still remembers what it felt like on game day as an NFL rookie replacing a 13-year veteran as the starting quarterback. "I almost pooped myself," said Cunningham, who replaced Ron Jaworski as the Philadelphia Eagles' starting quarterback in Week 2 of the 1985 season. "I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, a high draft pick [second round], and I could make things happen with my feet. But was I ready to start in the NFL? No way. I took eight cans of film home every night to watch. But so many things happened in that game that I wasn't used to in college." Cunningham went 14-for-34 with four interceptions, no touchdowns and a 22.7 passer"
Ponder in for now and the long haul
October 20
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Christian Ponder stutter-stepped onto the elevated stage Wednesday, then seemed to hold back a giddy laugh as he gripped the lectern and looked at the media horde in the Vikings' field house. "What's up guys?" Ponder said, squinting to shield the glare of the TV lights. "I better get used to seeing y'all every week." That's the plan now, a move made official Wednesday at Winter Park when Leslie Frazier not only confirmed Ponder's promotion to starting quarterback but did so without waffling. "We expect for him to start for us the remainder of the season," the Vikings coach said. That was that. From this point forward, Frazier and Ponder are linked for the long haul. And Donovan"
Vikings asking young quarterback to take helm of the Titanic
October 19
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Jim Souhan
"Last time the Packers visited the Metrodome, they beat the Vikings by 28 points. That game ended Brad Childress' tenure and signaled the end of the competitive portion of Brett Favre's career. The Packers return to the Dome on Sunday to face a team that has changed coaches and quarterbacks and yet not improved at all in the intervening 11 months. The Vikings are 7-15 since the beginning of the 2010 season. They are failing for their second head coach in two seasons. This is becoming one of the ugliest stretches in franchise history, and with two of the next three games on the schedule reading "Green Bay," it could get much uglier."
Vikings in disarray turn to Ponder
October 19
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The suspense will end at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday -- what's left of it anyway. That's when Vikings coach Leslie Frazier will step to a lectern inside the fieldhouse at Winter Park and officially declare his starting quarterback for this week's game against Green Bay. The announcement will be welcome if not all that surprising. On Tuesday, a source within the Vikings organization confirmed that rookie Christian Ponder will start Sunday. SportsTrust Advisors, the agency that manages Ponder, further confirmed the news by tweeting its congratulations. And just like that, Donovan McNabb will go to the bench and the Vikings will turn the page into what they hope is a promising new era."
Christian Ponder's sports agency: Vikings' rookie QB will start against Packers
October 18
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Minnesota Vikings first-round draft pick Christian Ponder will start at quarterback against the Green Bay Packers Sunday at the Metrodome, according to his sports agency. Sports Trust Advisors, which represents Ponder, tweeted the news this afternoon: "Congrats to #Vikings client @cponder7 for earning the start for next week's game." Ponder, who was the 12th overall pick in the draft, completed 9 of 17 passes for 99 yards during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 39-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. Ponder takes over for Donovan McNabb, who was 19 of 24 for 177 yards against the Bears. For the season, McNabb is 94 of 156 for 1,026 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Fading fast at"
Make Ponder the starting QB
October 18
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Chip Scoggins
"Leslie Frazier said he will announce his starting quarterback Wednesday after consulting with his coaching staff the next few days. Frankly, that should be a fairly short discussion. At this point, the Vikings have no reason not to start rookie Christian Ponder over struggling veteran Donovan McNabb. Asked 10 different ways about the factors they'll consider in arriving at a decision, Frazier stayed with a "what's best for our team" theme. Which is a valid argument. They should do what's best for the team right now, and that is to give the ball to Ponder and see what he can do. There's nothing preventing a change in personnel and philosophy now. At 1-5, the Vikings aren't going to"
Frazier will make QB decision Wednesday
October 18
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The decision came easily Sunday night. When the bottom fell completely out on the Vikings during their blowout loss in Chicago, coach Leslie Frazier did the only logical thing. Out came starting quarterback Donovan McNabb and in went rookie Christian Ponder. In a 39-10 fourth-quarter hole, letting Ponder finally see some regular-season game action proved a prudent move at Soldier Field. "We just wanted to get him in there, let him take some snaps and get a feel for the NFL tempo," Frazier explained after. But on Monday, Frazier described a slightly more complicated scenario going forward, deciding to put a temporary hold on rubber-stamping the Ponder-for-McNabb change for good. Saying"
Will it be Christian Ponder or Donovan McNabb starting at QB for the Vikings this week?
October 17
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Leslie Frazier had little choice. With the season fading fast and his 34-year-old quarterback guiding a deflated offensive attack, Frazier inserted rookie quarterback Christian Ponder with 14:50 left Sunday night in a 39-10 loss to the Bears. Ponder played about as expected, making a few plays while running for his life because of a much-maligned offensive line and completing 9 of 17 passes for 99 yards. Now on to the aftermath: Start the rookie for the first time against the defending champion and undefeated Green Bay Packers in the Metrodome on Sunday? Or stick with Donovan McNabb and risk losing the locker room for good? Surely, Frazier will be forced to make that call sooner rather"
Ponder appreciates chance to get snaps late in blowout loss
October 17
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Christian Ponder finally got the call Sunday night. The rookie quarterback saw his first NFL action in the fourth quarter of the Vikings' 39-10 loss to the Bears at Soldier Field. It came in the strangest of circumstances -- with starter Donovan McNabb having one of his better outings of the season, yet with the Vikings trailing 39-10. Ponder played two series and went 9-for-17 for 99 yards, his longest completion a 23-yard dart to Greg Camarillo. Whether this was a torch passing or just a rookie gaining experience in garbage time remains to be seen. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity that Coach [Leslie Frazier] let me go in," Ponder said. "I thought I made some plays and I thought I"