Ponder has `sixth sense,' but needs common sense, too

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave talked about a "sixth sense" that rookie quarterback Christian Ponder has when it comes to sensing pressure and taking off running at precisely the right time.

"It definitely comes in handy," Musgrave said. "I remember when Jason Campbell was there with Washington. He had that sense. He had it at Auburn. Those guys are born with it. John Elway had that. Steve Young had that. It's just something that keeps those guys alive out there and allows them to extend the downs and ad-lib somewhat."

Musgrave coached Campbell and was the backup to Elway and Young during his playing career. And while he appreciates having a mobile and fast 12th overall draft pick to tutor this season, it's that mobility that Musgrave has to add near the top of his list of concerns about Ponder being elevated to No. 1 quarterback heading into Sunday's game against the Packers.

"He's got to make good judgement late in the down," Musgrave said. "If you looked at the film at Florida State, he was a fearless runner. Fearless. Which is an attribute. But at this level, with the guys playing defense, you got to be smart. Otherwise, you won't stay upright. You won't stay in the league very long, health-wise.

"He's got that sixth sense, but we also need him to exude good judgement late in the down when defenders are bearing down on him."

That could be easier said than done for a competitive 23-year-old quarterback.

Musgrave said Ponder's first practice as the starter on Wednesday was good. The team will be practicing in a few moments.

Because Donovan McNabb was new to Musgrave's offense, Ponder got virtually no reps with the first unit when he was the No. 2 QB.

"Christian would get sprinkled in there at times when we felt a concept was down pat with Donovan," Musgrave said.

Yet, strangely, Musgrave said he doesn't feel the need to scale back the offense and the game plan to suit Ponder.

"We feel like we can go forward with a full complement of volume," Musgrave said. "We want to expand each and every week and continue to be tough to defend. We don't feel like we need to put the brakes on in any regard."