Expect Matt Cassel to start at quarterback for the 1-3 Vikings on Sunday when they play the Panthers at Mall of America Field. That’s the opinion of former Vikings defensive lineman Bob Lurtsema who remains close to the team and is a knowledgeable observer.
It’s not known if Christian Ponder’s rib injury will allow him to play, assuming coach Leslie Frazier wants him to return as the starting quarterback. Ponder missed the team’s most recent game after being the starter and losing quarterback in the first three games. Cassel was impressive as the starter in the win over the Steelers in London a week ago Sunday.
In that game Cassel completed 16 of 25 passes for two touchdowns with no interceptions. Those numbers surpassed any stats by Ponder in a single game this season but Lurtsema said starting Cassel is about more than going with the “hot hand” Sunday against the Panthers.
A large and vocal anti-Ponder group of fans targeted the third-year quarterback with resounding boos when the Vikings played at home on September 22, a surprising 31-27 loss to the Browns. Lurtsema believes even if Ponder is healthy enough to play on Sunday, Frazier will bench him because the coach wants a supportive crowd and risks losing “home field advantage” if Cassel isn’t his quarterback.
“That comes into play, although he’s not going to say it,” Lurtsema said last Friday.
Lurtsema has been supportive of Ponder in the past but acknowledges Cassel, a nine year NFL veteran, was effective against the Steelers in his first start ever for the Vikings. “I am in Ponder’s corner but it seemed Cassel didn’t make as many steps after the read (prior to passing),” Lurtsema said. “Ponder takes three or four where Cassel will throw immediately. You’ve got to anticipate receivers.”
Adding more intrigue to the quarterback drama on the team is the expected announcement the Vikings are adding Josh Freeman to the roster. He threw a career high 27 touchdown passes last season but was cut by the Bucs last week. If Freeman joins the Vikings it’s an acknowledgement the team doesn’t believe third team quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who has never played in an NFL game, is ready to help.
Before the season Lurtsema predicted the Vikings’ record will be 11-5. He remains impressed with the club’s talent and said the “worst” record will be 9-7 (despite the 1-3 start). The “best” will be 11-5.
Lurtsema, who correctly predicted the team’s 2012 record of 10-6, holds the defense most accountable for the team’s three losses that came by a total of 15 points. Lurtsema is critical of Josh Robinson who he said has been rated the “worst corner in the NFL.” Teams have consistently targeted passes in Robinson’s direction. “They (the Vikings) gotta do something,” Lurtsema said. “It’s just glaring (the problem).”
The defense has struggled, including in fourth quarters, and at times seems missing in action. Lurtsema insists the key to resurgence is the front four, led by tackle Kevin Williams and end Jared Allen. “The defensive line sets the tempo,” he said. “They gotta get aggressive but have to be disciplined (stay in assignments).”
Worth Noting
Lurtsema is sure the Vikings will beat the 1-3 Panthers next Sunday, 22-6 losers to the Cardinals yesterday. “Absolutely. Slam dunk.”
Personal seat license fees in the new Vikings stadium will be applied to 75 percent of the seats and range in cost from $500 to $10,000, according to a story in the October 4 Star Tribune. The average cost will be $2,500.
Lurtsema is critical of the fees. “I don’t think it’s fair. I think a lot of guys (buyers) are going to be really upset. I would be upset if I had eight to 10 tickets. That’s a lot of buckaroos.”
Lurtsema said a friend paid about $250,000 in personal seat license fees for his Giants tickets when the team moved into its new stadium.
While the Vikings only have four touchdown passes in four games, Minnesota’s NFC North Division rivals have been much more productive. The Bears’ Jay Cutler (10 TD passes), the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers (nine) and the Lions’ Matthew Stafford (eight) have totals among the best in the NFL.
Former Vikings defensive tackle Alan Page played his tuba in a salute to runners along the route of yesterday’s Twin Cities Marathon.
Ex-Vikings assistant coach and former Gophers quarterback Tony Dungy turned 58 yesterday.
Gophers’ defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said on WCCO Radio’s Sports Huddle yesterday injuries would keep “four or five” of his defensive backs on the sidelines if Minnesota had a game this Saturday. The Gophers have a bye in the schedule and don’t play until October 19 in Evanston against pass-happy Northwestern.
Baseballprospectus.com lists the 2013 Twins payroll at approximately $82 million. While the Twins finished with the third worst record in the American League at 66-96, two of their AL rivals — the Rays and Athletics — made the playoffs with payrolls about $20 million less than Minnesota’s.
The Gophers outshot Lethbridge 46-12 in an exhibition 5-1 win on Saturday. Minnesota will face more difficult opposition this weekend in the Icebreaker Tournament at Mariucci Arena. The field includes nationally ranked New Hampshire along with Clarkson and Mercyhurst.
Media reports have the Gophers and North Dakota verbally agreeing to resume their storied men’s hockey rivalry in a nonconference series starting in 2016-17.