Questions were raised the second the Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Matt Cassel. The former starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs was thought to be the possible replacement of current Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder. The Minnesota quarterback has certainly struggled at times and as the team looks to get back into playoff contention in 2013, some thought they were making a change at the position. However, head coach Leslie Frazier is speaking out in defense and diffusing all rumors. Frazier says Ponder will be the starting quarterback of the team, no question.
"Christian Ponder is our starting quarterback. Matt knows that, he knew it when we went through the acquisition," Frazier said while attending the NFL annual meeting in Phoenix.
The Vikings recently signed Cassel to a one-year, $4 million contract last week. Frazier said he was brought in as insurance in case of possible injury to Ponder. Cassel recently spent four years with the Chiefs where he never really developed as a starting quarterback like the team had hoped. Last season, he played nine games because of injury. He completed 58.1 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,796 yards and six touchdowns. The Chiefs released him after a trade for Alex Smith.
"Cassel knows he is coming in to provide insurance for us. If something were to happen to Christian injury-wise, we have a quality backup that can step in and do a great job for us. Christian just needs to continue to improve like we all expect him to, but he's out starting quarterback," Frazier said.
The Vikings have made an effort in surrounding Ponder with more offensive weapons in 2013. The team recently signed Greg Jennings. Ponder threw from 2,935 yards last season, completely 62.1 percent of his passes for 18 touchdowns. He helped lead the team to a berth to a Wild Card spot in the 2012 playoffs. However he missed the final game due to an elbow injury. He has been medically cleared by doctors to continue throwing again.
