Key third downs biggest difference between Ponder, McNabb

We shouldn't fault Donovan McNabb for saying "absolutely" when asked if he still deserves to be the Vikings' starting quarterback. He's a proud veteran who's had a nice career, so let him hold onto his pride and belief in himself.

However, boy of boy, how wrong he is.

On the most critical of downs for a quarterback -- third down -- it's rookie Christian Ponder who has played like the veteran and McNabb who played like the rook.

Let's examine the numbers on third down in the fourth quarter of the five games McNabb finished and the three games in which Ponder played the fourth quarter. There is no comparison.

McNabb:

Pass attempts: 12

Completions: 4

Conversions of third-and-6 or longer: 1.

Runs for conversions: 0.

Ponder:

Pass attempts: 14

Completions: 10

Conversions of third-and-6 or longer: 8.

Runs for conversions: 1.

With McNabb at quarterback in the fourth quarter, the Vikings were 4 of 15 on third down, with McNabb responsible for two of the conversions. With Ponder, they are 10 of 16 on third down, with Ponder responsible for nine of the conversions.