Christian Ponder Optimistic about Playoffs

[Vikefan79]

http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_21318945/minnesota-vikings-coming-together-they-wrap-up-training

[vike daddy]

Ponder is also saying he has set the goal of having a 75% completion rate on 1st and 2nd downs, which would be an alltime NFL record.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/16/christian-ponder-sets-an-unreachable-statistical-goal-for-himself/


c'mon dude, let's come back down to earth a bit.
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[CriminalMind]

Maybe he just wants to hand the ball to AP, and do either shovel or screen passes on 1st and 2nd down.
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[vikingsrule]

Nothing wrong with setting loft goals, not that there is a realistic chance of hitting these goals, you have to strive for something. I would be happy with 60-65% at this point, and that woudl indicate that the offense is moving the ball fairly efficiently.

[milanb]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3-eavMSBnk
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The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. — Ecclesiastes 9:11

But that’s the way to bet. — Jimmy The Greek

[ArcticNorseman]

Playoffs? This year? I'd absolutely love to see that happen -- it would mean a few things:
1. No one on the team was injured the whole year and Adrian was 100% back to his old self.
2. The O-line gelled and the defense showed up.
3. Leslie Frazier would be awarded Coach of the Year.
4. Spielman would confirm he has evolved and is a solid GM.

Now for Ponder's goals, I like his moxie; however, it's usually some kind of omen when someone states "I think I can get to . . . " It's almost as bad as being on the cover of Madden!

Now, for hypothetical stuff . . . If this offense averages 7-8 possessions a game and 8-9 plays per possession, they'll have a good shot at scoring points. Let's say they have 1 turnover and 2 punts per game. That would mean they score on 4 or 5 possessions per game (unless they turn it over on downs).

If the scores are mostly TDs, this team will be scoring about 24-30 points per game --- if this team does that, with this D-Line, I see no reason they don't pull a few more wins than we "expect."

Yes, I've stated before I think this team wins 6 or 7 games -- that's what I expect . . .

I'd be ecstatic if they won enough games to make the playoffs -- much less climb from the bottome of the division cellar.

[vikingsrule]

MN making the playoffs would be a huge shock, however, this is what the NFL is all about. Surprise underdogs, league wide competitiveness, we see it every year.

However, everything has to go right for MN.

No injuries to key starters. Ponder needs to be a 3500 + yard passer, limit turnovers, and be efficient. Peterson will have to not miss a beat, and dominate as he did pre injury. The Oline will have to give Ponder protection. The pass rush will have to be elite. The run defense will need to show up to the point where its at least not a liability. Lastly, the secondary will have to take a HUGE leap to even compete in the NFC North. Again, i wouldnt say its impossible for all this to happen, but the odds are stacked against MN at this point.

[vikingsrule]

Further, MN certainly has the schedule to possibly sneak up on some teams, outside of the division anyway.

Rams, Cards, Seahawks, Redskins, Jags, Bucs and Colts all had top 15 picks last year and neither team has shown anything to suggest they will improve, at this point.

Again, I am not implying that MN will be a playoff team, merely making a suggestion that the schedule is not all that difficult outside of the division where MN may have some winnable games. Enough winnable games to put the team in a position to where if they can win half their divisional games, they may be in the thick of things for a wild card spot.

[Virginia Viking]

I'd rather have players who are optmistic with lofty goals, then someone who content with where they are and what they are doing.

It is not out of the realm of possiblity that the Vikings will have an excellent season. Like VR and Arctic say, lot's of things have to happen, and the Vikings have to have the breaks go their way. But none of those things are impossible.

You know, a couple of key injuries to the other teams of the NFC North, things will look very different. If Rodgers goes down in Green Bay...if Urlacher has difficulty in returning to the Bears...If Megatron has a balky hamstring...who knows what will happen. I'm not wishing injury to anyone, but they DO happen, and they effect the outcomes of games and seasons.

Let's just hurry up and begin games that count!! I can't stand the offseason!!!!!

[heydudemanG]

We're not making the play offs this year.
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Down with the conflict and it's crucial
To all you haters the feel's are mutual

[TearsOfPurple]

Well Megatron is on the Madden cover, so that helps us haha.

Really though, I'd be super surprised if we got to the playoffs. That being said, I love Ponder's moxy. I don't think many people outside of dedicated Viking fans know how much of a leader he's being for this team. If he keep improving his game he'll be here a long time just for that reason. He's not guarenting a playoff berth, he's just saying we have the talent to push for it, and we actually do have the talent we just need it all to click.
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The Heist.

[Vikefan79]

Jaws on Ponder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFClI7_tP-k
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[Mossburg]

The schedule is pretty soft in the 1st half but gets brutal in the 2nd. I wouldn't be surprised if we looked like the Bills of last year, good surprising start and rough finish.
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Equal Opportunity Hater

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."
- Mark Twain

[SteelKing728]

Well did you expect him to say something along the lines of "Yeah, I hope we finish 6-10, the coach gets fired mid season and I get benched after 4 games?" lol of course not.

There is nothing wrong with being optimistic. Everyone needs to be in the mindset that we are in this to compete right now. If you are a coach, team president, GM, and you are the one telling your team that its okay if we have a bad season, and winning isn't that important, then I feel you absolutely must be fired.

Christian Ponder has a great mindset. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do.
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Thanks Jamison on that avi.

2013 Adopt a Minnesota Viking - Jared Allen - DE - #69

[vikingsrule]