Report: Christian Ponder to Start at Quarterback for Vikings on Sunday Against Packers

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Oct 18, 2011

Report: Christian Ponder to Start at Quarterback for Vikings on Sunday Against PackersThe Donovan McNabb era in Minnesota officially ended Tuesday afternoon when Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier told rookie Christian Ponder he would start under center on Sunday.

Ponder made his NFL debut in relief of the veteran McNabb in the fourth quarter of the Vikings' eventual 39-10 loss to the Bears on Sunday night. McNabb had been sacked on four of his previous six snaps and was tackled for a safety earlier in the first quarter. The rookie completed 9 of 17 passes for 99 yards.

Now 34, McNabb had been struggling, only having thrown four touchdown passes and three completions for longer than 35 yards this season. With the team at 1-5 and Green Bay coming to town this weekend, Frazier decided to make the switch. However, Frazier said the quality of the team the Vikings will play would not have an impact in the change.

"The only qualifier is what's best for our team, said Frazier on Monday. "For a guy who gets limited reps in practice, it seems [Ponder] had a good grasp, like we thought he would, of our offense."

The NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora first reported the news via twitter.

This is the second straight straight season in which McNabb has lost his starting job. He was replaced by Rex Grossman last season in Washington before the Redskins traded McNabb to Minnesota in the summer.

Ponder was the 12th overall pick in this year's draft, coming into the league after playing his college ball at Florida State. He will be the fourth rookie quarterback to become a starter this season, joining the Panthers' Cam Newton, the Bengals' Andy Dalton and the Jaguars' Blaine Gabbert.

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