Christian Ponder Fantasy News

Friday, May 4, 2012, 5:27pm

Vikings QB Christian Ponder struggles as a rookie were magnified by an increasing tendency to stare down the rush, rather than keeping his eyes downfield. That's why the team's first round pick, LT Matt Kahil, is important for Ponder's development.

"It is huge," Ponder said. "A lot of time last year, it didn't necessarily have to do with the protection. A lot of times I wasn't comfortable getting to my third, fourth reads, checking the ball down. Instead of just checking it down when a guy is wide open, I'd just run.

"That's something I have to get away from. It's easy to break the habit. It's just going to make it so much better having full confidence in the protection. Offensive line is looking good. They got stacked up pretty quickly and they've got a lot of depth now. I'm excited about that as a quarterback."

Wednesday, May 2, 2012, 7:28pm

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Webb is embracing his role as a full-time quarterback after serving as a hybrid quarterback/receiver/wildcat option for two seasons.

Coach Leslie Frazier said in February he wanted Webb to concentrate on one position. The team wants to maximize his value at quarterback and lessen his responsibilities. He'll enter camp as Christian Ponder's backup.

"It's a great role to have," said Webb on Wednesday, May 2, in between sets during an offseason conditioning workout. "Any time you can concentrate on one position, that's always a positive."

Source: Colts tell Andrew Luck that he'll be top pick
Thursday, April 19, 2012, 4:55pm

The Indianapolis Colts have told Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck that they will take him with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, according to a league source.

It's unclear precisely when the Colts informed Luck, but a league source said the team has known for weeks that Luck would be its pick. His style most closely resembles that of former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, and he is the player Indianapolis wants to rebuild around, the source said.

The Washington Redskins will take Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 pick in the draft, according to league sources.

With much of the drama seemingly removed from the top two picks, the attention turns to what the Minnesota Vikings will do at No. 3. With multiple needs, they could consider moving down to assemble more picks, or they could start to fill those needs by selecting someone such as USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil to protect young quarterback Christian Ponder.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011, 12:44am

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.

"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 cleared, trainer Eric Sugarman said Monday.

"He's doing excellent today, really doesn't have any symptoms, and I hope for a fast and speedy recovery," Sugarman said.

If Ponder plays, the Vikings can get one more look at their first-round draft pick in hopes he'll offset his recent struggles.

Ponder was benched Dec. 11 against Detroit after throwing three interceptions while dealing with a hip pointer injury, led the offense to six three-and-outs in a loss to New Orleans and finished 8 of 13 for 68 yards against Washington.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011, 4:52pm

Vikings Christian Ponder is in no jeopardy of losing his job as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback, but after throwing five interceptions in the past two games coach Leslie Frazier acknowledged Monday the rookie needs to stop repeating his errors.

"I know the coaches are going to take a look at it with him today," Frazier said, a day after he lifted Ponder in favor of Joe Webb in the third quarter of a 34-28 loss in Detroit. "What you don't want to do is make the same mistakes repeatedly because that begins to get a little worrisome.

"He is doing some good things to offset some of the errors. We have to continue to accentuate the positives that he is doing and try to eliminate some of the negatives. But I do think he is growing. I think (Sunday) was a part of the maturation process for him, and we will be better for it and he will be better for it in time."

Monday, December 12, 2011, 6:50pm

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson should be back this week, per Frazier. Very close yesterday.

Christian Ponder came out no worse for wear.

Monday, December 5, 2011, 7:00pm

Vikings QB Christian Ponder with hip pointer. Will be monitored throughout the week.