Here’s a Vikings Quarterback Plan
The Vikings should take a game plan to
Kansas City next Sunday that includes providing rookie quarterback
Christian Ponder an opportunity to play.
It probably makes the most sense to again
start 34-year-old quarterback Donovan McNabb and ease
Ponder in the game. Let Ponder in the game by the second quarter,
regardless of how McNabb is producing.
If McNabb is off to his best start in four
games, at least let Ponder play for a series or two and gain regular
season experience. If McNabb is playing so-so
−
or even poorly − that's more reason to put
the rookie in the game.
Based on the first three games of the
season, the offense needs more from the quarterback position than McNabb
has produced. He’s occasionally impressive and often mediocre, but what
he’s clearly demonstrated is an inability to make the biggest of plays
when needed the most.
Simply put, the 0-3 Vikings need a more
productive playmaker at the quarterback position. Can Ponder be the
answer? Well, he’s definitely considered the future and the heir to
McNabb. At least allow him an NFL introduction, even if it's limited next
Sunday in Kansas City against a Chiefs team that is also 0-3.
Yesterday the offense could produce only
three second half points in a 26-23 overtime loss to Detroit. The
outcome might have been different if on a fourth and one early in the
fourth quarter the Vikings could have gained one yard at the Detroit 17
yard line and added to their 20-17 lead.
Toby Gerhart was stopped for no
gain and a crowd that urged the Vikings to decide against a field goal
was left wondering if the right decision was made. Conventional
coaching wisdom probably was to take the points.
Vikings defensive end Jared Allen
wasn’t about to second-guess in the locker room after the game. “You get
that first down, now you’re going for the jugular," he said. "I like
that kind of football. I would put my paycheck saying that these guys
can get one yard.”
For the third consecutive week the Vikings
blew a half time lead, this time being up 20-0. After the game players
were frustrated just as they were after losing 17-7 and 17-0 leads the
previous weeks.
“We’re trying to win games. We have such
a talented team,” Allen said. "We’re the best first half team in
football. Something doesn’t transfer over. It ain’t a lack of
effort.”
Allen had three sacks in the game and the
Vikings other defensive end, Brian Robision, had two.
Robison, like Allen, said he didn’t have an explanation for the second half
failures.
“We gotta figure it out," Robison said.
"If we don’t, it’s going to be a long, long season.”
