Minnesota Vikings: 5 Musts for Christian Ponder's Success in 2011

Starting a rookie quarterback is always risky, and this shortened off-season with certainly make things even more difficult for both the Minnesota Vikings and rookie QB Christian Ponder. 

Fortunately, there are certain things that a player can do and things that a team can do for their QB. 

Because of his background in a pro-style offense, Ponder should be more adjusted to the NFL than some of the other QBs in his draft class. 

Ponder was also able obtain a copy of the playbook on the one day that the lockout was lifted following the first round of the NFL Draft. 

I believe that Ponder is in the best position for success of the QBs in his draft class. However, there are still many things that both he and the Vikings will need to do for an even remote shot at success in 2011. 

Here are some of the things that will need to be achieved for Ponder to see any success as a rookie starting quarterback. 

1. Improved Play from the Offensive Line

The Vikings offensive line was pitiful during some parts of 2010. Over the course of the year, they gave up a total of 36 sacks for a loss of 230 total yards. 

Steve Hutchinson and Bryant McKinnie, who are usually seen as some of the better offensive linemen in the NFL, seemed uninspired and looked slow in 2010. The Vikings need the two of them to be leaders on an offensive line that possesses many problems with both consistency and durability. 

For Ponder to have any success in the passing game, the offensive line will need to solidify, protect the young quarterback, and give him enough time to find one of his receivers. This was something they routinely struggled with in 2010. 

The Vikings will need rookies Brandon Fusco and Demarcus Love to step up to help solidify the much weaker right side of the line. 

2. Live and Die by the Run-Game and Play-Action

In case any of you forgot, the Vikings have the best running back in the NFL. 

Adrian Peterson's talents have been somewhat overlooked within the Vikings organization since the advent of Brett Favre. Because the passing game dominated the Vikings offense over the last two seasons, Peterson's stats, though very very impressive, were not as high as they could have been. 

A quarterback's best friend is usually is his tight end, but I believe that Adrian Peterson will be Ponder's safety net. 

Running the ball a lot will help set up play-action. That has traditionally been the base of the Vikings' offense. I see the Vikings returning to that base offense now that they have a less experienced QB calling the plays. 

Ponder had a lot of success with play-action at Florida State, and utilizing that strength will give the Vikings the best opportunity for offensive production. 

3. Figure out the WR Situation

The Vikings have to face the very real possibility of a future without No. 1 receiver Sidney Rice, who will likely test the free agency waters. 

Percy Harvin has struggled to stay on the field because of issues with migraines. If the Vikings lose Rice, they will need to hope that Harvin has solved his migraine issues going into 2011. 

No. 3 receiver Bernard Berrian has a huge contract and hasn't produced much thus far with the Vikings. The way I see it, if Berrian doesn't impress during training camp, his days in purple will be numbered. 

Taking those three receivers into account, the Vikings need some help at WR. Realistically, excluding those three, the only viable receivers on the Vikings roster are unproven CFL receiver Manny Arceneaux, Greg Camarillo, and Jaymar Johnson. I'm not impressed. 

Along with an offensive line that can actually protect him, a young quarterback needs targets he can get the ball to. Whether or not the Vikings lose Rice, they will need to add at least one free agent receiver or it will be a long, dull season full of incompletions and interceptions. 

The Vikings need to solidify their receiving core in order to not only compete, but win in probably the toughest division in football. 

4. Control the Line of Scrimmage Utilizing the Snap Count

Something that I saw on NFL Live a few days ago really hit home with me.

The analyst was emphasizing the importance of changing the snap count to control the line of scrimmage, and how overlooking that fact is one of the most common mistakes rookie quarterbacks make.

The NFL game is different than that of college football. A much faster pace requires better focus and determination from a young quarterback who can have all the control if he chooses to. 

Ponder will need to slow the game down for himself by changing the snap count and controlling the line of scrimmage because, if he doesn't, the elite veteran defenses that share this division will tear him apart.

Ponder is already at a disadvantage going into a shortened off-season but I firmly believe the snap count will be pivotal for his success as a rookie. 

Because the other defenses in the NFC North are so tough, keeping them off-balance should become Ponder's key objective during his rookie season.

If he can do that by merely taking it slow between each snap and staying relaxed.

5. Don't Get Frustrated with Slow Start to Season

The Vikings first three games include a road game in San Diego, and then a two-game home stand against Tampa Bay and Detroit. Those are going to be three of the toughest games of the season for Christian Ponder.

The Chargers have traditionally had a pretty stingy defense, and have one of the best QBs in the NFL and a very high-scoring group of receivers.

Because it will be Ponder's first NFL start, it is important that the young QB keeps his composure in case the Chargers outscore the Vikings in a shoot-out. The game will be a good one, and hopefully the Vikings will be able to pull out a victory, but it is very important that Ponder bounce back in week two should the outcome not go the Vikings' way. 

Week two will be Ponder's first home game as a Viking. He will likely have the jitters leading up to the game. It is very important that Ponder has faith in his teammates to perform in front of the home crowd.

Tampa Bay is a good rising team but they are not elite, so it is essential that Ponder controls the game in order for it to go in the Vikings' favor. 

Week three will be the toughest of the three. I'm sure Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley will be itching to welcome Ponder to the NFC North.

This is exactly the situation where it is important for Ponder to slow the game down and control the snap count to throw off the defense. Detroit will be tough, but a victory is by no means out of reach. 

The first three weeks of the season are vital to the rookie's success. All three are very winnable games for the Vikings. Other than the division game, it doesn't matter much whether the Vikings win or lose.

But it is important that Ponder retains some confidence to carry over into the rest of the season. After the first three weeks, I believe that Ponder will be settled into the NFL enough that he can win some games and have the fans' confidence as the Vikings franchise QB. 

I hope you've enjoyed reading this article. Many of you may already know that I am in the middle of an article series I'm calling Vikings Rookie Spotlight. Feel free to refer to my profile to find the articles I've already written for the series. The Series finale will feature QB Christian Ponder, occurring sometime late next week.