Ponder takes blame for loss to Packers — others will surely pile on

GREEN BAY, WIS. – For those keeping track, the Vikings are 0-2 at Lambeau Field when Christian Ponder is part of a game-time decision at quarterback.

Twenty-one months ago, Vikings fans cursed their misfortune when Ponder couldn't play because of an arm injury. Joe Webb started his first game of the season and came to define quarterbacking ineptitude in Vikings lore that day.

He completed 36.7 percent of his passes for 180 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a 54.9 passer rating in a 24-10 wild-card playoff loss to the Packers.

In other words, he played better than Ponder did on Thursday night.

Forced to start his first game of the season because of Teddy Bridgewater's sprained ankle, Ponder had two second-quarter interceptions, including a pick-six, and a 13.4 passer rating at halftime when the Vikings were down 28-0.

"It was embarrassing," Ponder said after the 42-10 rout. "I feel bad I put the team in this position."

Meanwhile, in the locker room, players tried to put up a united front against what is sure to be an onslaught of criticism directed squarely at Ponder.

"My confidence is the same in Christian as it is in Teddy," receiver Jarius Wright said.

"It's a team game," running back Matt Asiata said. "You've got to blame yourself before you blame anybody else."

"We've been to the playoffs with Christian leading us [in 2012]," right tackle Phil Loadholt said.

Meanwhile, Ponder sounded like a man who had little to no confidence in himself after completing 22 of 44 passes for 222 yards, two interceptions, a 45.8 passer — 9.1 lower than Webb's rating 21 months ago — and one rushing touchdown.

"I have to figure out a way to play better," he said.

Ponder's struggles began early. Trailing 7-0 at the 8:28 mark of the first quarter, he missed badly on a perfectly-timed deep ball to an open Jarius Wright.

The Vikings punted three plays later. Four plays after that, Aaron Rodgers showed how to connect deep when he hit Jordy Nelson in stride on a 66-yard touchdown that had the feeling of an early knockout blow.

If it wasn't, Ponder made sure to knock himself and the Vikings out with a miserable second quarter.

It began when Ponder was a little late throwing a ball to Cordarrelle Patterson. Defensive tackle Luther Robinson hit Ponder's arm as he was throwing. The ball went directly to Julius Peppers, who returned it 49 yards for a touchdown.

Two plays later, Ponder did something else he's prone to do. He threw late and behind running back Jerick McKinnon because he "double-clutched," unsure what the defender would do, he said. Linebacker Jamari Lattimore intercepted, setting up a 20-yard drive and the 28-0 deficit.

"I missed throws," Ponder said. "There were some issues, obviously."

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Bridgewater could have been ready by Sunday and will start a week from Sunday when the Lions visit.

"It's hard," Ponder said of his missed opportunity. "I have to figure out a way to play better. I don't know when the next opportunity will happen. That's what makes it so hard."

A reporter tried to let Ponder off the hook by pointing fingers at the weak pass protection and a porous defense.

"I'll take the heat," Ponder said. "Two turnovers, missed throws, I didn't move around in the pocket well. I'll take the blame."