The Minnesota Vikings are attempting to tip toe around the elephant in the room. The team has announced backup quarterback Matt Cassel will be starting in place of Christian Ponder and many wonder if that move will remain permanent for the remainder of the year. Cassel is no stranger to stepping into someone else's spotlight having plenty of starting experience himself. While the offensive scheme does not change with Cassel at quarterback, wide receiver Greg Jennings is favoring the backup more.
Cassel and Ponder are essentially the same type of quarterback. Both play a more traditional style with the position, so the only thing the receiving corps will have to adjust to is a different huddle and timing. Jennings has remained complimentary of Ponder during their time together, but he is loving the style of leadership and command that Cassel brings as the starter.
"We've been playing with Matt ever since offseason," Jennings said, via TwinCities.com. "He's been in there with the (first team). We've gotten a lot of reps with him so he's comfortable. If anything that's the difference. That comes with him having much more experience. He's been in position where he's had to be a starter for years now. He knows what's going on. He's commanding. So is Christian. But as far as throwing the ball it is what it is. Matt's a very smart guy."
In Cassel's nine year career, he has started 62 of 79 games with a 58.8 completion percentage over that time. He first stepped into the spotlight after Tom Brady tore his ACL. Cassel went 10-5, leading to his signing with the Chiefs. Things did not work out in Kansas City, leading to his release and signing in June.
The Vikings are 0-3 right now and in need of a change. While head coach Leslie Frazier is insisting this move is not permanent, if Minnesota wins on Sunday the team might opt to stick with the hot hand. Ponder has yet to turn out to be a true starter since getting drafted in 2011 and this might be what the Vikings need going forward.
Jennings and Ponder had been working heavily on gaining chemistry. So far it has not translated well on the field. A more verbal quarterback might be what the veteran has been looking for.