Cassel In, Ponder Out

The Cleveland Browns surprising win last Sunday broke some Minnesota hearts. The Browns also fractured a rib in Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Christian Ponder. That fractured rib will keep him out of this Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in London. In Ponder's place, Matt Cassel will get his first start for the Vikings.

Much of the blame for the Minnesota Vikings 0-3 start to 2013 season has fallen on Christian Ponder. It's the nature of football that the quarterback gets too much of the blame when his team loses. The Vikings have scored 24, 30, and 27 points in their three losses. An average of of 27 points is often good enough for more wins than losses. The Vikings have had too many breakdowns in too many areas in these three games to place blame in one place. Unlike many fans of the Vikings, I have yet to lose faith in Christian Ponder. I think that he has the skills and the leadership to be the franchise quarterback that he was drafted to be. To draw comparisons to others, I've always felt that, at worst, he can be a lot like Jake Plummer. At the better end, I think that he has the ability to be like Drew Brees. I always thought that Plummer was a very good NFL quarterback. Ponder has to start playing with more confidence. He has to get back to just playing football. Stop thinking too much. His nice running in the Cleveland game seemed to spark something. He seemed to loosen up some. He played a gritty game but he missed some throws at the end that he absolutely has to make. It was a game that could lead to better games. None of that really matter this week. He's on ice. His fractured rib is apparently close to his heart. That's the concern that has opened the door for Cassel. The Vikings signed Cassel as a free agent in the offseason for situations just like this. He's been a starter with the New England Patriots and with the Kansas City Chiefs. The team has confidence in Cassel. He's won some games. He can win some more. Ponder's injury status is considered week-to-week. The Vikings have their bye next week. So, Ponder has two weeks to get healthy before they face the Carolina Panthers. It's Ponder's job but Cassel can lead the team. If the Vikings start lighting it up with Cassel and they get on a roll, maybe there's a question.

The Vikings have to straighten out many things. Quarterback is just one of them. Maybe the jolt of a new voice in the huddle wakes up the entire team. They sure need it.