Vikings' Christian Ponder open to trade, but maximizing time otherwise: http://t.co/EfHjC50lkQ pic.twitter.com/MPbaHlitHf
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Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner said he was disappointed how fans reacted to Christian Ponder during the team’s first preseason game against the Oakland Raiders.
Turner made the comments during a press conference after practice on Tuesday.
Ponder played in the second half of the Vikings 10-6 win over the Raiders, and fans responded by booing for the former first round pick. He did not play in the Vikings second preseason game against Arizona.
“I was obviously disappointed, in the opening game, the way our fans reacted to Christian,” said Turner. “He has done everything he can do, and he has been working his butt off and I think he’s a guy that’s going to be valuable to our team.”
According to the Pioneer Press, Turner is a proponent of keeping three quarterbacks. He would like to keep Ponder engaged behind Matt Cassel and rookie Teddy Bridgewater.
https://twitter.com/GoesslingESPN/status/501765721387720704
“Having three quarterbacks, if that’s the way we end up going, it’s something that is extremely valuable to me,” said Turner.
Turner would know, he was the offensive coordinator in Cleveland last year where Bryan Hoyer, Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell all started games for the Browns.
But Ponder himself said last week he was open to a trade to a different team. Is there a market for Ponder, especially one that would net the Vikings something more valuable than a third-string quarterback?
The Daily Norseman says normally a quarterback like Ponder would garner some interest.
“Blaine Gabbert netted a seventh round pick and Ponder is better than him. Like, probably considerably better. It’s slightly surprising that no team has made any offer, or if they have that Spielman hasn’t bit. The one thing Ponder has in undeniable quantity is smarts – maybe not ‘quarterbacking smarts’ but certainly a mind that can grasp film room details, and therefore makes himself quite valuable in that manner as a primary back QB. Ponder should be a rather desirable backup quarterback”
But according to the blog, reports from camp indicate Ponder has completely lost his spirit and isn’t playing well, and the team has some tough decisions to make, especially at wide receiver, linebacker, corner back and safety.
Turner indicated that he likes the quarterback situation now, but would adjust with whatever coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman decide.
