Christian Ponder will be the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12 against the Green Bay Packers, head coach Leslie Frazier announced Wednesday. Ponder was pulled form Sunday's loss against the Seattle Seahawks after throwing two interceptions, and replace by Matt Cassel who also struggled mightily against a stout pass defense. For the time being, Ponder will continue to be "the man" in Minnesota.
Christian Ponder named Vikings starter for Week 12
Christian Ponder will start Week 12 against the Packers after being pulled in favor of Matt Cassel during last Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks.
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Meanwhile, Josh Freeman remains on the bench. Freeman was signed by the Vikings on a one-year, $2.83 million contact after he was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before Week 4. He made one start -- an ugly outing against the New York Giants on Oct. 21, just two weeks after becoming a Viking -- and hasn't been seen since.
Ponder’s best performance of the season came in Week 10, when he went shook off an interception on his second pass of the game against the Washington Redskins to go 17-for-21 for 174 yards and two touchdowns before leaving late with a dislocated shoulder. He was able to bounce back quickly from the injury, but then started the matchup against the Seahawks 13-for-22 for 129 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions before being yanked.
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Cassel went just 5-for-13 for 78 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Ponder’s stead, however, so it’s not surprising that Frazier has opted to start Ponder. The Vikings are doing their best to play their current hand, but it’s clear they don’t have a strong card to throw.
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