Texans @ Vikings Game Day Discussion Thread -- Preseason #1

[Arma]

Not a chance’ Floyd misses time after injury
By Tim Yotter
VikingUpdate.com

Sharrif Floyd was in a jovial mood after Friday night’s NFL debut, despite a knee injury that ended his night a bit prematurely.

He could afford to joke around because the injury turned out to be nothing serious, although there was some concern right when it happened.

“Late cut (block) and I came off to the side,” Floyd said of his second quarter injury. “It felt weird, and when something feels weird, don’t move. (Trainers) said everything was fine so no problems.”

Head coach Leslie Frazier echoed that prognosis after the game.

“He should be fine. We decided we couldn’t put him back in the game because of where we were at this time of the year, that we wouldn’t do it, but he should be fine,” Frazier said.

Floyd said there was “not a chance” he would even miss any practice time – the Vikings return to Mankato on Sunday for their final week of training camp – and was “completely fine.”

http://min.scout.com/2/1314828.html

[allday1991]

I don't think Cassel is terrible, but the interception he threw (looking for Carlson) was MUCH worse than Ponder's, but you won't here that from the overreacting mouth foamers. Cassel would surely like to have that throw back: his feet were not set and he just lofted a throw up without any caution. Poor choice. Apart from that throw I thought Cassel looked pretty solid and I was super glad to see that we have a much improved backup QB situation this year. If Ponder does, indeed, fall on his face like so many doomsday types predict here... well, we have a capable backup.

Overreaction? as mentioned before ponder had a mid season slump, and the last four games in which we all label as he played 'well' he was out rushed by A.p. I am not asking for a HOF QB or manning, but someone who can at least out throw our running attack, is this asking too much? and I know that Cassel is not the answer.

[Arma]

Overreaction? as mentioned before ponder had a mid season slump, and the last four games in which we all label as he played 'well' he was out rushed by A.p. I am not asking for a HOF QB or manning, but someone who can at least out throw our running attack, is this asking too much? and I know that Cassel is not the answer.

You know..except when AP was shut down versus the Texans. Nope, all AP winning that game.

[Mothman]

Overreaction? as mentioned before ponder had a mid season slump, and the last four games in which we all label as he played 'well' he was out rushed by A.p. I am not asking for a HOF QB or manning, but someone who can at least out throw our running attack, is this asking too much?

No. In fact, your wish has already been granted!

2012 Vikings
Total rushing yards (including 253 by Ponder himself): 2634
Ponder's total passing yards: 2935

Ponder out-threw the rushing attack.

Since Peterson is the best back in football and the focal point of the offense, is it important that Ponder throw for more yards than the Vikings gain on the ground every week? If so, why? Again, the goal is to win the game, not compile the ideal stat line.

You know..except when AP was shut down versus the Texans. Nope, all AP winning that game.

Shhh!

[mondry]

2 of 6? 23 yards? Missing throws?!?!? Especially on third down?!?! Ugh.

Jackson keeps this up...QB controversy! Totally! Preseason is where it's at!

Yep, Cassell "pwned" 1 preseason game with a whopping 13 points in a half, better start him immediately! Bench Russell Wilson! T-joke crushed it! It never ends with these guys, I'm convinced we could have Tom Brady but if Peterson rushed for 200 yards in the game and he only threw for 175 they'd want him cut too.

[King James]

I see a lot of hating going on in this thread....lol. This was one pre-season game. Yes Ponder needs a lot of reps but week 1 of the pre-season is really about evaluating our 2nd-4th stringers. Look at it from the coaches perspective. Why give Ponder more reps this early? So the fans can be happy? Apparently Frazier wasn't looking to see anything from Ponder this game so him playing wasn't really much of a necessity.

Now game 2 and 3 might be different. Especially, game 3. Even then, how Ponder plays during the pre-season won't affect his position. I think the only way Ponder can truly lose his spot is if he performs poorly during the regular season. Im going to cut Ponder a little slack and say he probably needs more time to gel with the WRs. This isn't a game of Madden where you can just stick good players on the team and expect immediate results. I think in due time, Ponder can get better. But this is just the first game, a pre-season game at that, wayyyyyyyyyyyy too early to panic.

[Arma]

It's not even the fact that it's too early. He threw 2 passes.

[The Breeze]

so lets be clear on this, which games exactly did ponder throw for 200 yards in a half in? someone referenced the redskin game, was that the same game he threw that pick 6 in the first quarter and then they were playing from behind the entire game (i.e. passing the entire time). i swear demi is the only one, aside from myself, who actually sees ponder doesn't have what it takes. the majority of his passing yards come when the vikings are WAY behind and forced to throw. when you start an entire 16 game season, and have 2 or 3 passes over fifty yards all year long, YOU STINK.

Ponder went for 220 and 2 tds in the second half of that game. The Vikes jumped out to a 9 point lead but ultimately the defense struggled to contain RG3, who ripped them a new one in the second half. I'm sure the pure suckness of Ponder caused it though. And I know it's popular to believe that it was AD who won the final 4 games last season and was the only reasn we won at all ever....but I'm pretty sure AD suited up and played in GB during the playoffs. I guess he's the reason our season ended when it did~

LMAO at anyone who compares themselves to Demi as a positive thing. I'll bet the two of you could give Doung and Wendy Whiner a serious run for their money

[The Breeze]

This thread is looking like something you'd see on an espn board. It always amazes.... me these game threads where people lose their friggin minds over things that happen in the first qtr. Thank god some of you will have no way possible to ever actually influence the outcome of a game. You'd just collapse under the first sign of adversity.

Personally, I think there are several of you who just need to be held gently and have your feelings validated.....maybe a little kiss on the check or forehead.
'smoooch smooch' There ya go sweet pea~

[allday1991]

No. In fact, your wish has already been granted!

2012 Vikings
Total rushing yards (including 253 by Ponder himself): 2634
Ponder's total passing yards: 2935

Ponder out-threw the rushing attack.

Since Peterson is the best back in football and the focal point of the offense, is it important that Ponder throw for more yards than the Vikings gain on the ground every week? If so, why? Again, the goal is to win the game, not compile the ideal stat line.

Well, it would help In beating teams like the Greenbay packers. San Francisco had well over 200 yards rushing and a top 10 QB and the game was still close in the playoffs, but Ponder not even throwing 3000 yards gives you comfort at the position? certainly not for me. I want to feel like we have a chance to win without a.p putting up 150 average per game.

The Texan game certainly wasn't won by ponder, it was the defence.

[Mothman]

Well, it would help In beating teams like the Greenbay packers. San Francisco had well over 200 yards rushing and a top 10 QB and the game was still close in the playoffs, but Ponder not even throwing 3000 yards gives you comfort at the position?

I didn't say that. I said the yardage totals don't matter as much as the wins. Would you be any more comfortable in the Lions position, with a QB that threw for nearly 5000 yards and a a team with a 4-12 record.

Keeping an open mind about Ponder and viewing him as a work-in-progress isn't the same as being satisfied or comfortable with his performance.

certainly not for me. I want to feel like we have a chance to win without a.p putting up 150 average per game.

The Texan game certainly wasn't won by ponder, it was the defence.

He made a significant contribution to the win, as did the defense.

They can win without AD rushing for 150 yards in a game. They did last year. They can win without Ponder throwing for 3700+ yards. They won 10 games under those circumstances last year. They can beat GB with Ponder at QB. They did that last year.

I get the feeling that people get so caught up in what Ponder isn't, in what they don't like about him, that they lose track of what he's actually accomplished. There are positives to be considered along with the negatives and the biggest one is that Ponder was the starting QB of a 10 win team in his first full season as the starting QB. That's something they can build on and it's all they can build on. Anyway, it doesn't matter if we're comfortable or uncomfortable with Ponder. He's the QB and anyone who would feel more comfortable with Cassel didn't see much of the Chiefs the last two years.

[allday1991]

I didn't say that. I said the yardage totals don't matter as much as the wins. Would you be any more comfortable in the Lions position, with a QB that threw for nearly 5000 yards and a a team with a 4-12 record.

Keeping an open mind about Ponder and viewing him as a work-in-progress isn't the same as being satisfied or comfortable with his performance.
He made a significant contribution to the win, as did the defense.

They can win without AD rushing for 150 yards in a game. They did last year. They can win without Ponder throwing for 3700+ yards. They won 10 games under those circumstances last year. They can beat GB with Ponder at QB. They did that last year.

I get the feeling that people get so caught up in what Ponder isn't, in what they don't like about him, that they lose track of what he's actually accomplished. There are positives to be considered along with the negatives and the biggest one is that Ponder was the starting QB of a 10 win team in his first full season as the starting QB. That's something they can build on and it's all they can build on. Anyway, it doesn't matter if we're comfortable or uncomfortable with Ponder. He's the QB and anyone who would feel more comfortable with Cassel didn't see much of the Chiefs the last two years.

I know Cassel is not the answer, Ponder is still the man for the reason you stated he is coming off a 10-6 season. However I am is interested if he can do it again if a.p doesn't rush for 2000 yards.

[The Breeze]

If Ponder had a season similar to what Wilson had last year, there would be no QB controversy.

pssst....hey brah, there is no QB contorversy. It' just fan based, anxiety fueled speculation~

[allday1991]

pssst....hey brah, there is no QB contorversy. It' just fan based, anxiety fueled speculation~

of course, how can you have a controversy if neither of them are good?

[PurpleKoolaid]

It's comical.
Wow, Ponder was disengaged on the sidelines during a random moment in the first preseason game? NOW we can panic!

Here's what I've learned: many, many fans are actively looking for reasons to dislike and complain about Ponder. It is absolutely mind-boggling that he has become THE main topic of conversation after a preseason game in which he played two snaps.

Actively looking? We don't have to actively look, friend. And I for 1 don't dislike him. I just don't want him as our QB, or on this team. I still like Tjoke, but I don't want to see him here. I will admit, I never liked McNabb.