Broken record: When will Christian Ponder's time come?

Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb was booed Sunday. And then he was booed some more. And after that, the Mall of America field crowd booed him even more. And then there were the "We want Ponder" chants.

Getting the message? Vikings fans are fed up with McNabb's inconsistency and eager to see Ponder get his chance at leading the offense -- an offense, mind you, that has an average line up front and a mediocre corps of wide receivers.

On Sunday, we discussed what's going on behind the scenes with Ponder at Winter Park with quarterbacks coach Craig Johnson delivering valuable insight.

Now after McNabb's woeful 10-for-21 effort Sunday, we thought we'd expand on our "Ponder Watch" just a bit. For the record, the rookie from Florida State believes he is prepared to step up if called upon.

"I feel like I'm ready," Ponder told me last Friday afternoon. "I prepare myself as if I'm going to play every Sunday. You never know when that chance will come. Like I say, I feel like I'm ready. But you'll never really know until I'm thrown in there."

Ponder also understands the delicate nature of the situation, with the Vikings' coaching staff not wanting to throw him out there too soon, risking a major confidence hit that could temporarily stunt his development. But he also noted that his dad, David, pushed him hard growing up, giving him thick skin and an ability to respond to constructive criticism. And at Florida State, Jimbo Fisher was also a perfectionist with his demands, as tough on Ponder as any fan base could ever be.

So how soon would be too soon for Ponder to take over under center?

Ponder has credited McNabb as a positive mentor who has helped him improve his footwork and his ability to get through his reads faster. Johnson, meanwhile, believes patience is still in order with Ponder. As good as the kid seems to be extending plays with his feet, Johnson wants Ponder to not use his scrambling ability so often, instead learning to develop more comfort in the pocket. On top of that, Johnson isn't quite certain the rookie is ready just yet for the "lightning speed" of the game on Sundays.

"It's a process that takes every young quarterback a while to grasp," Johnson said. "Look, any quarterback can have a good concept for attacking a defense. But when that defense starts moving and putting pressure in your face, it's a whole different world. That's a huge part of this equation."

Johnson's final word on the situation? When Ponder is ready to breakthrough, everyone at Winter Park will know.