More To Ponder

Head Coach Leslie Frazier had lots to say about the Vikings offense during Monday's press conference . He also had lots to say about the Vikings offensive line. But he completely missed the main problem that the Vikings have.  Here's a summary:

There are some issues with scheme, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said; the team has to come up with better ways to deal with defenses that are playing press coverage outside and a single safety up top.
Some routes could be better, Frazier added. And pass protection has to improve.

But Frazier’s Monday press conference focused mainly on the play of quarterback Christian Ponder.
Let’s get this out of the way: Frazier said he has not thought about benching Ponder, not even for a series.

“We do some things preparation-wise during the course of the week to prepare him for just about every situation that he sees,” Frazier said. “Then it just comes back to our being able to execute in certain situations.”

Frazier said Ponder seemed confident. Now it’s a matter of doing it on the field.


“I think the last couple of weeks there have been some things that have come up that we need to keep working on,” Frazier said. “Not only with him, but our entire offense, to get better production out of the pass game. He knows there are some things he needs to improve on, but there are also some things throughout our passing game that we have to get corrected in order to help him be successful.”
That said, Frazier fielded a number of questions that focused squarely on Ponder, including:

--On Ponder’s accuracy issues, particularly a miss to Devin Aromashodu and a high pass on a bubble screen. “He’s completed that with accuracy thoughout the season,” Frazier said of the screen. “For whatever reason, the ball sailed on him. He’s got to get his feet set and got to make that throw.”
--On whether his sore knee was an issue in Ponder’s accuracy: “He hasn’t complained about his knee,” Frazier said. “I don’t think that’s an issue.”
--On Ponder appearing uncomfortable in the pocket: “If you get a lot of pressure usually that will create that,” Frazier said.
On Ponder’s confidence: “Part of being a quarterback at our level is throwing into tight windows,” Frazier said. “He’s capable of doing that. We’ve all seen him do it and (we’ve) just got to consistently do it because if we get those opportunities on Sunday in this ballgame we’ll have to take advantage of it.”
Bottom line is defenses are going to continue to load up the box until Ponder and the Vikings figure out a way to take advantage of that situation. “It’s not just what Christian is doing or not doing,” Frazier said. “But some of the things we’re doing as a whole.”

My Take: IF we are at game NINE and it's the team's fault we have to look at COACHING as the problem. IF Frazier has not thought about benching Ponder at all the man is not qualified to be here any more. IF he hasn't seen Ponder's screen passes sailing week after week, he hasn't been watching game film. The man is DEVOTED to Ponder like he's married to him. IF they think they need to try "something different" here's a radical idea. Use Joe Webb. Have him roll out.

IF Peterson getting nearly 200 yards rushing hasn't loosened up the pass rush defense of teams, what will? GET YOUR QB OUT OF THE POCKET!!!

Every OTHER team would put in some quick slants or screens. WE either can't do them or won't use them, so our only other option is to roll out.

The simplest solution?

Fire Frazier! Fire Frazier! Fire Frazier! Fire Frazier! Fire Frazier!

The man simply does not know football.