No More Ponder!!!!

[Spiderbeavis]

I wonder if some people will finally realize and admit they are horribly wrong about Ponder? Or is not even this enough?

It's enough for me...as a longtime Ponder apologist, I am finally ready to put "former" in front of that designation after last night. Yes, the D was mostly terrible, and Loadholt and Kalil were turnstiles most of the night. But watching Ponder play right after seeing how much more poised and in command Teddy looked in just one NFL start...it really illuminated to me what has been said on VMB in different ways over the last few years, how we've gotten so used to mediocre-subpar QB play around here that a lot of us had forgotten what anything better even looked like!

[saint33]

And where did I say anything like that? I said everyone knew #7 stunk, yet we kept him on the roster. So develop another QB that maybe can learn HOW TO PLAY THE QB POSISTION. Nothing to do with hatred, everything to do with talent and potential.

I think the point he's trying to get at is that you talk about MBT or other "unknowns" as if they have more potential than Ponder does for the simple fact that we haven't seen what they can do. The thing is, with MBT our coaching staff and front office saw what he could do for multiple years on this team. No not in live meaningful action, but they saw enough of him to assert that he did not have a long term future with this team. And I don't think a Chandler Harnish type scrub of the street offers anymore "future potential" than Ponder. The fact of the matter is that all of these 3rd string options, Ponder included, have no long term future with this organization.

If you want to make the argument that the mistake was made in the draft when we had an opportunity to add a young late round QB with potential, that's fine with me. It's something I thought we would do that didn't happen. Besides this fair point, we're at a point now where I think it's pretty simple to explain. While many will say we can't find anything worse than Ponder on the street, the fact is that we probably can't find anything better either. So what's the point of cutting ponder, paying both players regardless and getting the same horrible play out of some other scrub with 0 chance at a future with the organization?

[S197]

I think it was Mark Twain who said, "any time you agree with Zulgad, it's time to pause and reflect." The guy is a giant black hole of negativity, you think his articles are bad you should see him tweeting during the game.

That being said, parting ways with Ponder now (I can understand why they kept him on the roster) is something they should consider. The guy is toxic to the team. Fans hate the kid and I think the players do get to a "not this again" state once he's in and making the same mistakes we've seen since his rookie season. I'm not saying it's all his fault, it's not his fault he was drafted too high in a season that had a shortened offseason. And it's not his fault that the rest of the team played poorly (although I think he amplifies their mistakes). It's time the team and Ponder part ways if nothing more than for some closure, so he isn't a looming starter that somehow works his way on the field no matter how far you bury him down the chart. This is a young team, really young so I think their mental state is even easier to go south especially when you lose guys who probably played big leadership roles last season (AD, KWill, Allen, even Greenway over the last couple weeks).

As much as I hate to say it, I think Zulgad is right in that everyone needs to move on from Ponder and the only way to do that is to cut him. It's evident now that he's not going to be able to make this team competitive, not with the losses sustained to the offense. I think the fans, and probably the team, would rather see a long shot get a chance at this point. Ponder has run out of chances. At least here in Minnesota.

[Mothman]

I think it was Mark Twain who said, "any time you agree with Zulgad, it's time to pause and reflect." The guy is a giant black hole of negativity, you think his articles are bad you should see him tweeting during the game.

Ugh. No thanks...

That being said, parting ways with Ponder now (I can understand why they kept him on the roster) is something they should consider. The guy is toxic to the team. Fans hate the kid and I think the players do get to a "not this again" state once he's in and making the same mistakes we've seen since his rookie season. I'm not saying it's all his fault, it's not his fault he was drafted too high in a season that had a shortened offseason. And it's not his fault that the rest of the team played poorly (although I think he amplifies their mistakes). It's time the team and Ponder part ways if nothing more than for some closure, so he isn't a looming starter that somehow works his way on the field no matter how far you bury him down the chart. This is a young team, really young so I think their mental state is even easier to go south especially when you lose guys who probably played big leadership roles last season (AD, KWill, Allen, even Greenway over the last couple weeks).

As much as I hate to say it, I think Zulgad is right in that everyone needs to move on from Ponder and the only way to do that is to cut him. It's evident now that he's not going to be able to make this team competitive, not with the losses sustained to the offense. I think the fans, and probably the team, would rather see a long shot get a chance at this point. Ponder has run out of chances. At least here in Minnesota.

All of that makes sense, especially for Ponder, who I have no doubt will be better off when he's able to move on to another team or just move on from football and get on with his life. However, the problem is if they cut him, they need a healthy backup to Bridgewater. Do they promote Thompson to the active roster? If they had any faith in him, you would think they would have promoted him instead of signing Harnish and making him active on Thursday. Perhaps they'll re-sign Harnish to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

I can't figure out why MBT is on the practice squad at all. If they do re-sign Harnish, I would think MBT would be the player they will release.

As for Ponder, that game was a disaster for him. I think he was in a tough position but he obviously handled it poorly. I just don't know, from a coaching point of view, if Zimmer and his staff would be inclined to cut him mid-season based on that performance unless they felt they had a better alternative. When all is said and done, he's still a veteran QB who has been with them all season and offseason and they know that in the past he's been capable of performing better than that. If they feel they have an alternative they can rely on enough to make the move, perhaps they will but otherwise, I think Ponder's going to remain a Viking until the end of this season.

[DK Sweets]

I think it was Mark Twain who said, "any time you agree with Zulgad, it's time to pause and reflect."

As for Ponder, that game was a disaster for him. I think he was in a tough position but he obviously handled it poorly. I just don't know, from a coaching point of view, if Zimmer and his staff would be inclined to cut him mid-season based on that performance unless they felt they had a better alternative. When all is said and done, he's still a veteran QB who has been with them all season and offseason and they know that in the past he's been capable of performing better than that. If they feel they have an alternative they can rely on enough to make the move, perhaps they will but otherwise, I think Ponder's going to remain a Viking until the end of this season.

I'm honestly not sure if Christian Ponder with his understanding of the offense is any better than some rando just winging it. Honestly, I had some friends who don't watch football over last Thursday, and watching Ponder represent us in front of these people who had come over for a good time was just embarrassing. At least if somebody who hasn't been with the team is back there, there is an excuse. With Ponder, it's just jaw-dropping, tear-jerking, hide-your-face BAD.

It's hard to believe that Tarvaris Jackson has better job security at this point in his career than Christian Ponder, but it's true. We would have literally been better off, or at least just as good, keeping T-Jack.

[Mothman]

I'm honestly not sure if Christian Ponder with his understanding of the offense is any better than some rando just winging it.

Maybe he is and maybe he isn't but my points is, how will a coach who has been working with him for months look at the situation because we what, we, or Zulgad, or anybody else thinks really doesn't matter. I'm under the impression (and perhaps it's an inaccurate impression) that coaches tend to prefer players who possess at least some familiarity with their systems and that they tend to approach players with the mentality that they can coach them up and correct issues in a player's game. I'm not saying it's impossible that Ponder could get cut during this season, I'm just trying to wrap my head around how the people in charge might be looking at the situation. I seriously doubt Ponder will be cut unless they've at least had some time to work MBT, Harnish or someone else into the their system first.

[DK Sweets]

Maybe he is and maybe he isn't but my points is, how will a coach who has been working with him for months look at the situation because we what, we, or Zulgad, or anybody else thinks really doesn't matter. I'm under the impression (and perhaps it's an inaccurate impression) that coaches tend to prefer players who possess at least some familiarity with their systems and that they tend to approach players with the mentality that they can coach them up and correct issues in a player's game. I'm not saying it's impossible that Ponder could get cut during this season, I'm just trying to wrap my head around how the people in charge might be looking at the situation. I seriously doubt Ponder will be cut unless they've at least had some time to work MBT, Harnish or someone else into the their system first.

That makes sense, and I don't think Ponder will get cut either. Obviously, though, I think it's about time. Although I have to admit, I would really enjoy it if they offered him a contract after the season. I would take a week off from work just to read the board.

[Mothman]

That makes sense, and I don't think Ponder will get cut either. Obviously, though, I think it's about time. Although I have to admit, I would really enjoy it if they offered him a contract after the season. I would take a week off from work just to read the board.

If that happened, I think I'd just resign as a moderator and spend that week filling in for you at work.

[yezzir]

Ponder played worse than any rookie QB has played this season. He is a 4 year veteran with plenty of starts. He has no clue what he's doing. I don't think having him on the team serves any benefit whatsoever. I would rather have his roster spot filled by someone with potential, or a QB who is at the least, competent.

Spielman has done a lot of great things for us, but he's also the only one standing between Ponder's current employment and a new career.

[Demi]

Ponder played worse than any rookie QB has played this season. He is a 4 year veteran with plenty of starts. He has no clue what he's doing. I don't think having him on the team serves any benefit whatsoever. I would rather have his roster spot filled by someone with potential, or a QB who is at the least, competent.

When Cassel went down. They should have signed a veteran. Instead they sign two scrubs and Ponder is one bad ankle on a fragile rookie QB away from starting. Plenty of people thought they should have moved on from Ponder. Our GM who hand picked him for 30+ starts decided in his infinite wisdom (the reason he still has a job, sure isn't the talent or team record) to keep him around despite his lack of ability, and higher than normal cap hit. And this is what we get.

Can our coaches overcome these type of front office decisions? Stay tuned, loyal fans!

[Leafman]

From a coach/Spielman perspective, I understand why they've held out hope for Ponder for this long. Doing drills and on the practice field wearing the red beanie, the guy is a fantastic passer and a great athlete ... good movement in the pocket with accurate tight spirals to everywhere on the field with good mechanics to exactly the spot they need to be with good vision after going through his progressions. He has always been impressive to watch in that controlled environment.

In game situations, it all breaks down. He loses his vision, his timing, his rhythm, his footwork, his mechanics, his accuracy and his decision-making ... he just simply freaks out. I think everyone's been waiting for that switch to flip in his brain, where he suddenly figures out how to manage the panic attacks that hit him when the ball is kicked off, and his skills on the practice field translate to success at game time.

It is clear by now, at least to me, that this just isn't going to happen. Not with the Vikings, and not any time soon. But that doesn't mean I can't empathize with the decision-makers who have held out hope that it would all click for him at some point.

LEAFMAN THE PURPLE FAN

[PurpleMustReign]

I think it was Mark Twain who said, "any time you agree with Zulgad, it's time to pause and reflect."

I thought that was what John Wilkes Booth said after he shot Lincoln?

[S197]

All of that makes sense, especially for Ponder, who I have no doubt will be better off when he's able to move on to another team or just move on from football and get on with his life. However, the problem is if they cut him, they need a healthy backup to Bridgewater. Do they promote Thompson to the active roster? If they had any faith in him, you would think they would have promoted him instead of signing Harnish and making him active on Thursday. Perhaps they'll re-sign Harnish to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

I can't figure out why MBT is on the practice squad at all. If they do re-sign Harnish, I would think MBT would be the player they will release.

Honestly I think it's to the point where they're just throwing stuff at the wall and see what sticks. When you're looking for your fourth QB, you're pretty desperate. The MBT signing is a little perplexing, I'm assuming his familiarity with the Vikings personnel is enough to give him another shot. That and the guy has great arm strength, which I'm sure Norv likes.

As for Ponder, that game was a disaster for him. I think he was in a tough position but he obviously handled it poorly. I just don't know, from a coaching point of view, if Zimmer and his staff would be inclined to cut him mid-season based on that performance unless they felt they had a better alternative. When all is said and done, he's still a veteran QB who has been with them all season and offseason and they know that in the past he's been capable of performing better than that. If they feel they have an alternative they can rely on enough to make the move, perhaps they will but otherwise, I think Ponder's going to remain a Viking until the end of this season.

I don't think he'll be cut but I think it's a discussion that's certainly happening or at least should be. My feeling is that Ponder's body of work is large enough that it would be safe to assume two things: he's not the answer and he's not going to be here next year. If those two assumptions are true, the staff should consider a long-shot as a stop gap until Bridgewater can play again. This is why I was really hoping they would grab a rookie QB late in the draft but water under the bridge I guess. My view is basically if you know that Ponder is done, go with someone else even if the percentages of them working out is nominal. It just doesn't make any sense to me to keep trotting the guy out there expecting a different outcome and getting the same result.

[Mothman]

Honestly I think it's to the point where they're just throwing stuff at the wall and see what sticks. When you're looking for your fourth QB, you're pretty desperate. The MBT signing is a little perplexing, I'm assuming his familiarity with the Vikings personnel is enough to give him another shot. That and the guy has great arm strength, which I'm sure Norv likes.

I just don't understand why, considering that he does have some familiarity with their personnel, they then signed Harnish and chose to move him onto the active roster over MBT. Based on what I know of the two, I think Harnish is probably the better QB so it might be that simple. Maybe the next few days will provide some clarity.

I don't think he'll be cut but I think it's a discussion that's certainly happening or at least should be. My feeling is that Ponder's body of work is large enough that it would be safe to assume two things: he's not the answer and he's not going to be here next year. If those two assumptions are true, the staff should consider a long-shot as a stop gap until Bridgewater can play again. This is why I was really hoping they would grab a rookie QB late in the draft but water under the bridge I guess.

Grabbing a guy like Harnish is similar except that, unfortunately, they lose the benefit of that QB going through camps with them.

My view is basically if you know that Ponder is done, go with someone else even if the percentages of them working out is nominal. It just doesn't make any sense to me to keep trotting the guy out there expecting a different outcome and getting the same result.

I'd agree except that they don't always get the same result. It's pretty easy to see the thinking behind the move to keep him. I don't think anybody expected a switch to flip but they were undoubtedly hoping they could coach him up and get more Jekyll, less Hyde. On Thursday they got Hyde but we all know Ponder's story has never been that he can't play a good game, it's been that he can't be relied on to play a good game. Just consider his last 4 appearances and passer ratings prior to Thursday's game:

113.0 rating in a win over Washington
53.0 in an ugly loss @Seattle
103.9 in a tie @GB
54.2 in a bad start against Chicago

You never know what you're going to get from the guy. If he ends up having to play again, I wouldn't be surprised to see him actually play well. It's his inability to grow into a reliable player that's been his downfall.

At this point, I just don't care. I wouldn't mind seeing him cut just because I consider him as good as gone anyway and the guy is probably miserable.

[PurpleKoolaid]

We should have dumped #7 and kept MBT. The only reason #7 was our 3rd sting QB was because he was already paid. MBT would have been cheap, and all this time WASTED with #7 on the team, could have given MBT more time, more reps, more bonding with the team. The Vikes organization must have realized this. That Ponder had no future here. I think Rickie was trying to keep his job, by at least having ponder as a good back up QB. You would have thought we would have learned how important it is to develop QBs.