Thread: Predicting Second-Year Numbers for Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder (BR Alert)

I haven't put up a Bleacher Report article in a while. Think this one is interesting........(and should fire a few up that I posted it).

Predicting Second-Year Numbers for Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder | Bleacher Report

This is my prediction:

3,700 yards
24 TDs
18 INTs
58% completion

Originally Posted by C Mac D

This is my prediction:

3,700 yards
24 TDs
18 INTs
58% completion

I can live with that. I think his completion percentage will be closer to 60 or 61 though. Rationale is mostly related to Toby being used early and often as a check down combined with a bit more time being provided by the OL.

I am not sure how anyone could possibly give up on Ponder after last season, or even think that it can be determined that he is a bust already. I personally believe he could be a winning QB in this league. (Depending on the ability of the coaching staff to develop his skills).

Originally Posted by Marrdro

I can live with that. I think his completion percentage will be closer to 60 or 61 though. Rationale is mostly related to Toby being used early and often as a check down combined with a bit more time being provided by the OL.

A 6-7% jump in completion percentage? That's a stretch in my opinion. Jackson's completion percentage was never as low as Ponder's was last season, and Jackson is not starting material in the NFL... not to mention his starting WRs were Troy Williamson and Bobby Wade.

Originally Posted by marshallvike

I am not sure how anyone could possibly give up on Ponder after last season, or even think that it can be determined that he is a bust already. I personally believe he could be a winning QB in this league. (Depending on the ability of the coaching staff to develop his skills).

I hear ya my friend.

Fans can be fickle. Ravens fans are tired of Flacco, Giants fans were ready to give up on Eli (he won them a SB each year), you'll start hearing garbage about Sanchez and even Ryan might get a bit of flack when the truth is, the only one that really hasn't continued to progress over their career is Sanchez, and I still think he should get about 2 more years before you start pulling him.

Originally Posted by C Mac D

A 6-7% jump in completion percentage? That's a stretch in my opinion. Jackson's completion percentage was never as low as Ponder's was last season, and Jackson is not starting material in the NFL... not to mention his starting WRs were Troy Williamson and Bobby Wade.

LOL, don't get me going on TJ. Thats for another thread.

I think we will see a jump like that though. Again, easy check downs to RB's, OL, WR's, you can also use the "Red Zone" percentages as an indicator he can do it.

In short, a stretch? Maybe, impossible, I don't think so.

Interesting snipit:

Christian Ponder - Minnesota Vikings - 2012 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com

After recently re-watching 2011 game tape, NFL Films guru Greg Cosell found himself "more intrigued" with Christian Ponder's "pure throwing ability."
Rotoworld's Evan Silva separately came to the same conclusion. Both analysts noted better than advertised arm strength, pocket composure, athleticism, and confidence in challenging quality cornerbacks.

Originally Posted by C Mac D

This is my prediction:

3,700 yards
24 TDs
18 INTs
58% completion

I actually think that is a very realistic prediction, and I think that (depending on context) it would also show decent improvement over his rookie year.

I think CMAC is pretty dead on. Though I was a little lower on the spectrum on things. I was leaning more toward 3,500 yards, 22 TDs, 15 INTs, 58% or so. But I am banking on him missing a couple of games.

Either way ... I would not hate those numbers and would see them as reason to hope for a big jump in year 3.