FROM PATRICK REUSSE'S "PATRICK+" BLOG

Christian Ponder absolutely is the second coming of Tarvaris Jackson. As with Tarvaris, he's OK if the first place he looks there's an open receiver, and Christian's just peachy in garbage time against soft-playing defenses. But he's inept when facing the serious complications required to play the position at the major league level. Ponder's legs are fine. His arm strength is marginal. And his instincts are nonexistent. If Ponder (26 next February) is curious amid the Vikings' QB chaos as to where his NFL career is headed, all he has to do is look where Tarvaris is as 30-year-old caddie for Russell Wilson in Seattle, because they are the same player.

MANO-A-MANO

Vikings DE Jared Allen vs. Packers LT David Bakhtiari

WHO WON?

Allen did not register a tackle against the rookie and suffered a bruised sternum to boot. Bakhtiari wins a lopsided decision.

PLAY OF THE GAME

THIRD DOWN, LONG PLAY

With the score tied 10-10, the Packers had third-and-6 at the Vikings 24 with 3:49 remaining in the first half. QB Aaron Rodgers (12) read a cornerback blitz by Marcus Sherels (35) and hit Jordy Nelson (87) quickly over the middle. Nelson beat Chad Greenway (52) and eluded Andrew Sendejo (34) on a 76-yard scoring play.

THE QUOTE

"Aaron threw a perfect pass, and all I had to do was outrun everyone." — Nelson