Christian Ponder will enter into the 2013 season with some heavy expectations placed on his shoulders. The Minnesota Vikings are proving they are a team filled with potential and in order for that to be reached, Ponder must step up. The third-year quarterback is under an increasing amount of pressure, but running back Adrian Peterson is confident Ponder rises to the occasion.
In an interview with NFL.com, Peterson gave his quarterback a big vote of confidence for the upcoming season.
"I've seen a guy that doesn't lack leadership or the ability to take contract. Even last year. He's building in confidence. 'It's my team and I have to be the leader.' He's displaying it a lot," Peterson said.
Ponder looked strong in the early games of 2012. At one point he led the NFL in passing competition percentage. His accuracy on short yardage is strong, but his deep ball is where the quarterback must improve on in order to help open up the play book. In 2012, Ponder was the only quarterback without a touchdown pass of 20-yards or more. In his career, he is just 11 for 70 on throws 20-yards or more, netting 436 yards and a 28.0 passer rating. According to ProFootball Focus, Ponder ranked dead last in accuracy on deep throws last season.
The Vikings are doing everything they can to change all of that this season. Ponder spent most of last year without his top deep threat, Percy Harvin. This year, Minnesota loaded up on weapons, signing Greg Jennings and drafting Cordarrelle Patterson. Both receivers have connected well with Ponder so far in the offseason, proving that with a little more practice, Minnesota could have one of the better receiving games in the league.
Jennings recently spoke highly of the rookie Patterson. The veteran truly believes that Patterson has what it takes to be one of the top wide receivers in the league, understanding the fundamentals needed to always be open.
Jennings also spoke very highly of Ponder, showing that Peterson is not the only Viking that believes in the quarterback entering a crucial season. While admitting that he was spoiled with Aaron Rodgers, Jennings really believes Ponder will shock people this year with how well he is going to play.
"I love him. I love his personality. I love his demeanor on the field. The one thing we talk about , and I've shared with him more than anything, is the trust factor because he has everything he needs. The skill set, he has it. It's just about trusting the other guy," Jennings said.