Minnesota Vikings: Top 5 Reasons Why Christian Ponder Should Start in 2011

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When an NFL team draft a first-round quarterback, there is always the underlying debate as to whether or not the team should sit him for a year, or let his feet get wet as early as possible.

For the Minnesota Vikings and Christian Ponder, it is this writer's opinion that they not only let his feet get wet, but have a towel ready.

Today I want to look at five quick reasons why Ponder should start this season, provided of course, he proves himself in camp.

You can agree or you can disagree, but either way, let me know YOUR thoughts below since this is a great debate topic, that is sure to yield some wonderful talks.

5. “Corporate” Establishment

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Many football pundits believe that the NFC Central is on the rise globally.

Some feel that a new dynasty is rising in Green Bay, while others feel the Detroit Lions are a sleeping giant with other sentiment lending favor towards the Bears still being a force to reckon with.

The Minnesota Vikings may not be the same team after the 2011 season, which means they need to dig in NOW, in order to just keep up with the rising competition that they play for half a season.

If the Vikings can even just establish themselves—with Ponder—as a team to pay attention to, then the future will be easier to handle than if Ponder and company have to slightly backtrack with newer faces in the years to come.

Establishing themselves now, no matter the result, will have more of a positive effect on the future than a more conservative approach.

4. The New Offense Is Perfect

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If you haven’t heard by now, the Vikings do plan on implementing more double tight end sets, and they plan on running the offense through Adrian Peterson.

Hmmm, operating an offense that features one of the most exciting backs in the league, while offering safe choices for a new quarterback that almost always moves the chains?

It’s perfect!

The idealism behind what the Vikings want to do this year bodes very well for a new quaterback, and it just so happens that this offense is very similar to the one Ponder ran in Florida, which just makes perfect sense.

3. The Talent Is More Than There

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Ponder finished his career at FSU with a 61.8 completion rate, 6,782 yards alongside 49 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.

Not too shabby at all!

But it isn’t always about numbers, and Ponder has been clocked as a guy with a high “football I.Q.”

Will Ponder struggle at times? Of course, it’s par-for-the-course, but the talent level Ponder possesses is above average and he is already working with the team, and several players, in an attempt to get ahead of the game.

A great work ethic, combined with above average football smarts, is more than enough reason to get the guy in now.

2. A Cost Cutting Measure?

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OK, it sounds like a crappy reason, but let’s remember that football is also a business.

Think about it. The Vikings COULD entertain bringing in a transitional veteran quarterback to help cultivate Ponder, but at what cost?

And how would that money spent effect their ability to keep Sidney Rice, or worse, how would it affect their ability to bargain for another top positional player they need— Nnamdi Asomugha and Vince Jackson come to mind.

It may not be the most favorite of reasons, but it sure does make sense from the long-term aspect.

1. Let The New Era Begin Now

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Let’s face it Vikings’ fans, the past couple of years have been tumultuous at best. And the only way to counter such a headache is to usher in a new era, and cast fate to the wind.

This is Ponder’s team no matter what anyhow, so why not let the kid earn his stripes in an offense that is built to not only protect the quarterback, but also let him excel at the same time.

Just ask Matt Ryan.

Plus, a new beginning does wonders for the football psyche which almost always garners positive results.

Letting the new era take shape now; put the Vikings on the map now which is crucial to their long-term success.

It spares the team the trials of trying to get a new veteran quarterback acclimated to an already new system.

If that's not enough then how about this.

This team has been inundated with media embarrassment after embarrassment for years now, and has been the unsuspecting victim of squandered opportunities that have left them literally a stone's throw away from reaching the grand stage.

Enough is enough!

Every so often, the only thing that can whisk it all away is a new beginning.

They're scary, yes. They come with a huge probability of liability, yes, But what's the worth of a risk NEVER taken?

If this kid is ready and proves it camp, why not let him loose? It's what he's gunning for anyway, right?

Conservatism has its advantages, but the long-term liabilities associated with it often rears its ugly head, in an overpowering fashion.

Maybe it is time to cast fate to the wind and remember the words of Bud Grant who once preached:

"Do whatever it takes to win!"

I hope you all enjoyed this little write up and stay tuned for another piece on the future of Sidney Rice to come momentarily.

If you are interested in any fantasy advice, please click this link, and thanks for reading.