The Vikings should take a game plan to Kansas City next Sunday that includes providing rookie quarterback Christian Ponder an opportunity to play.
It probably makes the most sense to again start 34-year-old quarterback Donovan McNabb and ease Ponder in the game. Let Ponder in the game by the second quarter, regardless of how McNabb is producing.
If McNabb is off to his best start in four games, at least let Ponder play for a series or two and gain regular season experience. If McNabb is playing so-so − or even poorly − that’s more reason to put the rookie in the game.
Based on the first three games of the season, the offense needs more from the quarterback position than McNabb has produced. He’s occasionally impressive and often mediocre, but what he’s clearly demonstrated is an inability to make the biggest of plays when needed the most.
Simply put, the 0-3 Vikings need a more productive playmaker at the quarterback position. Can Ponder be the answer? Well, he’s definitely considered the future and the heir to McNabb. At least allow him an NFL introduction, even if it’s limited next Sunday in Kansas City against a Chiefs team that is also 0-3.
Yesterday the offense could produce only three second half points in a 26-23 overtime loss to Detroit. The outcome might have been different if on a fourth and one early in the fourth quarter the Vikings could have gained one yard at the Detroit 17 yard line and added to their 20-17 lead.
Toby Gerhart was stopped for no gain and a crowd that urged the Vikings to decide against a field goal was left wondering if the right decision was made. Conventional coaching wisdom probably was to take the points.
Vikings defensive end Jared Allen wasn’t about to second-guess in the locker room after the game. “You get that first down, now you’re going for the jugular,” he said. “I like that kind of football. I would put my paycheck saying that these guys can get one yard.”
For the third consecutive week the Vikings blew a half time lead, this time being up 20-0. After the game players were frustrated just as they were after losing 17-7 and 17-0 leads the previous weeks.
“We’re trying to win games. We have such a talented team,” Allen said. “We’re the best first half team in football. Something doesn’t transfer over. It ain’t a lack of effort.”
Allen had three sacks in the game and the Vikings other defensive end, Brian Robision, had two. Robison, like Allen, said he didn’t have an explanation for the second half failures.
“We gotta figure it out,” Robison said. “If we don’t, it’s going to be a long, long season.”