Jerry Burns is sometimes as perplexed by Christian Ponder’s decisions as the team’s fans but the former Vikings head coach is supportive of the second-year quarterback.
“Sometimes I am really enthused and sometimes I wonder why did he do this?” Burns told Sports Headliners. “He’s deserving of a full year before any decisions are made.”
The Vikings offense has produced four touchdowns in the last two games. Fair or not, Ponder was booed in the team’s last home game, a 36-17 loss to the Bucs. The Vikings had various issues in the game including poor pass protection.
“That loss can’t be attributed to him (Ponder),” Burns said. “It was a very poorly played game (by the Vikings).”
Ponder has 10 touchdown passes and seven interceptions in eight games. He didn’t throw an interception in the first four but in the last four he’s had three games where he threw two interceptions. He’s criticized for holding the ball too long at times and struggling to make decisions, but Burns said additional experience for Ponder and some of his inexperienced teammates on offense creates potential for better days ahead.
The Vikings (5-3) hope that both the offense and defense play better on Sunday in Seattle against the Seahawks (4-4) than in the Bucs game. A loss would be the Vikings’ third in four games but a win positions the team to stay strong in the NFC North race with consecutive division games starting on November 11 against the Lions, then the Bears, Packers and Bears again.
The Seahawks are 3-0 at home this season, the Vikings 1-2 on the road. “They play very well at home and Seattle is a very rabid city,” Burns said.
Seattle head coach Pete Carroll was Burns’ defensive backfield coach with the Vikings in the 1980s. “He’s a very sharp guy,” Burns said.
Burns also said Carroll is an excellent motivator who relates effectively to both players and coaches. “He’s a very good friend of mine. I wish him well but not particularly this Sunday.”