Denver Broncos: Possible Insurance Plans for Peyton Manning
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback
Christian Ponder
(7) practices before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Common sense may tell you that a player that wasn’t wanted by either the Vikings or the Raiders may not be worth having, but clearly Minnesota saw something in Ponder back in 2011 when they made him the 12th overall pick. Another quarterback who can make some plays with his feet, Ponder has the physical traits to make him a playmaker, his main issue has been his decision making.
He has often gotten into jams and tried to hard to force the ball downfield, which only ever leads to turnovers. He showed us in 2012 that he can lead a balanced team to the playoffs, starting all 16 of Minnesota’s games en route to a 10-6 season and a playoff berth. The Vikings lost in the Wild Card round which Ponder was forced to miss because of an injury.
His ability to get outside the pocket and make plays with his feet is something the Broncos have sorely missed this season, and he could get the ball into the hands of his talented receivers and backs, and allow them to make plays. He’s struggled to complete a full season throughout his career, but when he’s been healthy he’s been a good quarterback.
He’s only 27, and has only started one full NFL season, Minnesota’s trip to the playoffs. Of all the available free agent quarterbacks, Ponder may be the most likely to truly have a shot at still becoming a starting NFL quarterback at some point in the future. The Broncos may want to keep an eye on him in case they need to find a Manning replacement.
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