Christian Ponder vs Cam Newton: Which QB Will Hit Rookie Wall First?

The Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings face off on Sunday in what will be a matchup of two quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Both young signal-callers represent the future of their respective franchises, as Cam Newton guides the Panthers and Christian Ponder leads the Vikings.

While Newton has been a revelation this season, Ponder will be making just his second start on the year. But in his first start last week, the Florida State product showed well against the Green Bay Packers, who are clearly the best team in the NFL right now. Still, given what Newton has done so far this season, I believe Ponder will hit the wall faster than the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner.

So far this season, Newton has completed 152 of 252 passes (60.3 percent) for 2,103 yards, with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. While his quarterback rating of 82.8 isn't anything to write home about, the Auburn product has also added 266 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The fact that he has accounted for 15 total touchdowns is incredible when you consider his team is only 2-5.

Ponder has seen action in two games and has completed 22 of 49 passes (44.9 percent) for 318 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Ponder's passer rating of 63.1 isn't inspiring, but he looked poised in the pocket against Green Bay and showed presence and awareness.

Still, Newton has been on the field for seven games and is on pace to set several rookie passing records. That's enough evidence for me to think that Ponder will be slowed down more quickly than the No. 1 pick from this past April's draft. Newton has been impressive despite his team's record, and opposing defenses have not been able to slow him down.

Ponder doesn't possess the physical gifts that Newton does, and that will make him much easier for opponents to plan for and stop. I expect him to struggle through much of the remainder of the season.