Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder confident of starting in new season - NFL News
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder had an average first year in the National Football League (NFL) in 2011-12 after being drafted in the first round.
His position as the Vikings starting signal caller though is secure for the next season but that has not stopped the young quarterback from preparing himself in case the franchise draft a new quarterback for the new season.
The Vikings hold a third round draft pick and have maintained that they might pick up a quarterback should one become available who is better than those in their current roster.
Ponder though is confident of retaining his starting berth and is preparing for the new season as he looks to put in a better impression in his second year.
Talking to the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Saturday, Ponder said.
"You always have to have the confidence that you're the guy. But in the NFL, there's nothing ever guaranteed. Who knows. It's a business. Obviously, they are looking at the quarterbacks. We'll see what happens. I'm still preparing like I'm the starter. That's
still my job."
The 24-year-old quarterback passed for just 1,853 yards this season completing 158 out of 291 attempts for a pass completion rate of 54.3%. He also made 13 touchdown passes while also throwing for 13 interceptions.
Ponder though was hampered by recurring injury problems and the lack of options in a poor Minnesota offence missing star running back Adrian Peterson for most of the season while wide receiver Percy Harvin was also in and out of the starting line-up.
The quarterback went on to add that he would work with the coaching staff to hone his skills and learn more about the team’s offence.
"I think the biggest thing is just trying to learn more about the offense, learn the smaller details. OTAs will be almost like spring ball for me. As much time as you can spend, especially with coach, that's going to be important for me."
The Vikings ended the 2011-12 season with a 3-13 record, just about managing to equalise with their franchise worst record.
Ponder will hope that the franchise uses the draft to provide more options for him to pass to and that he can showcase his undoubted talents in the new season.
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