MINNEAPOLIS — Tongue planted firmly in cheek, Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder thanked “his girlfriend”for inspiring him to lead Minnesota to a 34-24 win over Detroit Sunday at Mall of America Field.
Ponder was taking a good-natured shot at his critics, some of who think that ESPN reporter Samantha Steele might be a distraction this season — especially in the past few weeks when Ponder has been off his passing game.
Ponder, in an interview this past week with Vikings play-by-play man Paul Allen, said that Steele has been around since Week 1 — so she should get credit for five victories as well. Make it six.
