With some cloud of doubt on rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's status for Thursday night's matchup with the Packers, Christian Ponder has been taking the first team reps in practice and preparing as the starter for the nationally broadcasted contest.
John Holler from Viking Update writes about Ponder's mentality during the short week of preparation for the Vikings first division game of 2014:
*With Bridgewater hoping to heal in time for Thursday night's game, but no tangible assurance that will happen, Ponder is back in the position he was much of last season – waiting his turn and hoping for the best.
"I'm preparing to play, but we're hoping for the best with Teddy," Ponder said. "I've talked with Teddy. He's doing everything he can to prepare to get ready and play. We'll see what happens."
In situations like the Vikings are facing, it's a difficult tightrope to balance on. Ponder is preparing as if he will start, but doesn't know if it will happen or not. However, he isn't letting the uncertainty change how he is approaching the Packers game.
"It's like every other week," Ponder said. "I've tried to prepare just in case. You prepare as if you are the starter so that, if you are thrown in there, you're prepared enough to play well. I'm taking it as if it's any other week." *
Ponder has been excited about getting the opportunity to run Norv Turner's offense. He has raved about how much he has enjoyed delving deep into the intricacies of Turner's scheme and, although he was mired at the bottom of the depth chart and, prior to last week, was getting very few practice reps with the first or second team offense, he has remained mentally sharp and ready to step in if the opportunity presented itself.
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Ponder, who has been through a bevy of unique situations in this four-year career, is no stranger to the circumstances thrown at him this week and should be ready to roll should his number be called.
Quick Hitters
- Star Tribune's Chip Scoggins writes about the recent play of Josh Robinson and removing the ‘horrible’ label.
- Vikings: Greg Jennings expects little more than scattered boos in Green Bay via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.
- Captain Munnerlyn looking to bounce back vs. Packers, Randall Cobb, from 1500 ESPN's Andrew Krammer.
