Matt Cassel wasn't always accurate. He fumbled on a play that could have turned the game in the Steelers' favor if the Viking hadn't recovered. But he was decisive and he threw with certainty and timing, allowing the Vikings' receivers to make plays down the field and run after the catch.
That should be good enough to win the starting quarterback job for the forseeable future. The Vikings have built a strong offensive team and Christian Ponder's indecisiveness had sabotaged the team's plans to complement Adrian Peterson with legitimate outside receivers like Greg Jennings and Jerome Simpson.
Sunday, with Cassel behind center, Simpson and Jennings looked like big-time playmakers. Not coincidentally, Peterson found room to run. The result was a 34-27 Vikings victory over Pittsburgh that saves, or at least extends the competitive portion of, the Vikings' season.
By the time they come off a bye to face Carolina at home, the Vikings should have a healthy secondary, and a quality group of receivers who will have had more time to work with Cassel.
After one start, it's clear: Cassel is better than Ponder, and the right choice moving forward.
