Not only are the Vikings about to fall to 2-11 -- meaning they'll have to finish 2-1 to beat Les Steckel's 3-13 Boys of 1984 -- they've also benched rookie quarterback Christian Ponder.

Ponder exited with four turnovers, giving him 13 on the season. He threw three interceptions, and could have thrown six with better hands in the Lions secondary.

In his first series, backup QB Joe Webb ran 65 yards for a touchdown. That was the only points in the quarter. The Vikings trail 31-21 entering the fourth quarter.

Not sure how this helps Ponder become a better quarterback beyond this season, but the Vikings must really want win No. 3.

Defensively, safety Mistral Raymond was hurt late in the third quarter. He was replaced by Jarrad Page, who was signed off the street two weeks ago.