Minnesota invested its 2011 first round pick on Christian Ponder and will give him at least another year as the starter to demonstrate franchise quarterback abilities. The former Florida State Seminole finished the season completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 2,935 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. However, the Vikings 171.9 yards passing per game ranked 31st in the NFL.
How does Ponder put some sexy back into the Vikings passing attack in 2013? He may have an up hill climb if Percy Harvin doesn’t return. Add in that Tom Pelissero (of 1500espn.com) says there is less than 100% faith within the locker room for Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave, and things may look a little bleak for a breakout year CP7. AP shouldered the load last season, but it is critical that Ponder step up and show improvement in his 3rd year in the NFL.
I think Spielman and Frazier would be wise to invest in a quality offensive minded coach. Just a few weeks ago, rumor was that the Vikings had an interested in former Brown’s Head Coach Pat Shurmur. Shurmur is now Offensive Coordinator with the Eagles, and for now all is quiet on the Vikings rumor mill.
Musgrave is a former QB who knows how to develop young talent like Ponder. Ponder and the Vikings would benefit greatly if Musgrave would be freed up to focus more time on developing Ponder and not so much on the play calling responsibilities. The answer is pretty simple really… hire Mike Mularkey as a Special Offensive Asssistant to help game plan and call plays. Mularkey and Musgrave are good friends that had great success working together in Atlanta from 2008 to 2010. Now is the time to reunite them in Minnesota.
With the right staff and game plan… and of course more talent at the wide receive position, Ponder’s passing game could look as sexy as his new wife Samantha Steele.

