vikings/nfl
Dan Wiederer began covering the Vikings in 2011, enthusiastically delivering insight on the team across the Star Tribune's print and digital products. Prior to joining the Access Vikings team, he spent seven seasons covering ACC basketball at The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. He also covered the Chicago Bears in 2003 and 2004. Follow him on Twitter @StribDW.
Mark Craig has covered football and the NFL the past 20 years, including the Browns from 1991-95 and the Vikings and the NFL since 2003. Since 2008, Craig has served as one of the 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. He can be followed on Twitter at @markcraignfl.
Third quarter: Ponder benched as Vikings trail 31-21 entering 4th quarter
Posted by: Mark Craig under Vikings, Lions Updated: December 11, 2011 - 2:32 PM
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.
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