Cassel is starting on Sunday. Will anything change??

[majorm]

The concern for me is that Spielman will use the injury as an excuse. Ponder will miss a few games for this, come back for a couple and then miss a few more for a bicep. And at the end of the year, it will be another "incomplete" grade for Ponder, and another offseason of uncertainty.

I just wanted the guy to play an entire 16 game season, good, bad, or horrible.

There can NOT still be any uncertainty concerning Ponder. He can't play. We've seen enough and surely Spielman has seen enough. If Ponder is still on this team next year, Spielman is truly clueless.

[PurpleHalo]

There can NOT still be any uncertainty concerning Ponder. He can't play. We've seen enough and surely Spielman has seen enough. If Ponder is still on this team next year, Spielman is truly clueless.

Ponder will still be under contract. He would be a good backup.

[Webbfann]

What you been smoking there? 93 is much higher than 81, and 27/7 TD/INT ratio is MUCH better than 18/12.

Furthermore, Cassell has shown he can run, he's by no means completely immobile as some would have us believe. He has run for 60 yds in a game at least once, and run for 15yd TDs at least once. Lets give him a chance before calling him Ponder in disguise. The gods know we have seen enough of Ponder.

Keep in mind that in Cassel's career year in 2010 he had a lower QBR than Ponder did last year. So his ceiling is lower than Ponder's season that many thought earned him a spot on the bench. He later proved that that season was fluke, so I have very low expectations of Cassel. The worst thing that could happen is that he plays mediocre and doesn't make too many mistakes so we decide to make him the starter next season.

[indianation65]

I'm pulling for Cassel and hope he has a great game, and the "team" pulls out a good victory. Since Frazier wants Ponder back in soon, it will be interesting to see what happens should the qb and team play well and start winning.

...wisdom

[maembe]

What you been smoking there? 93 is much higher than 81, and 27/7 TD/INT ratio is MUCH better than 18/12.

Furthermore, Cassell has shown he can run, he's by no means completely immobile as some would have us believe. He has run for 60 yds in a game at least once, and run for 15yd TDs at least once. Lets give him a chance before calling him Ponder in disguise. The gods know we have seen enough of Ponder.

I was talking QBR, not Quarterback Rating. Everyone knows Quarterback Rating is a joke for the reason that you mentioned. Why do we need to give him a chance? Cassel has been in the league for 9 years and we haven't seen enough of him?

[MrPurplenGold]

Unless Cassell can play defense, OL and call the plays, I don't think much is going to change. Cook and Samford are both out which means Sandejo will probably get the start at safety (was hoping Blanton could have been able to step up) and who knows who will start at the other CB spot. Will they actually let Rhodes start or are they going to put Jefferson in. Either way you're going to have a bunch of terrible in the Vikings secondary this week. Maybe Bishop can get on the field and actually get to the QB on some LB blitzes.

[Max Power]

It's probably why they need to find a new offensive coordinator next year. Musgrave has had horrid offenses everywhere he's been.

Don't get me wrong, the oline hasn't played very well either. But good coaching can mask some of that, and here that hasn't happened.

Todd Haley should be available.

[PacificNorseWest]

Cassel can't run like Ponder and though he may get the ball down the field more often, he also throws interceptions at a higher frequency. The line hasn't seemed to progress so I don't see anything changing just because Cassel is under center.

Ya'll got your wish though. So long as they win this Sunday I couldn't care any less who is Q at this point.

[PurpleKoolaid]

He will take more sacks for sure. And more INTs. Hopefully not the pick 6 type. I bet he is able to make more then 1 read, he will see the open receivers, and may even complete multiple passes to Kyle.

[Webbfann]

Ponder's runs are failures to throw. And where do you guys keep getting your numbers? How is Ponder's 3.4% INT% better than Cassell's 2.8%?????

I am not convinced Cassell is great or even above average, but for god's sake puhhhlease no more Ponder. Whoever takes snaps is better than Ponder, and I'm sure Cassell will prove that much at least. Sorry to dash the hopes of all the losers who want nothing more than to lose.

Cassel can't run like Ponder and though he may get the ball down the field more often, he also throws interceptions at a higher frequency. The line hasn't seemed to progress so I don't see anything changing just because Cassel is under center.

Ya'll got your wish though. So long as they win this Sunday I couldn't care any less who is Q at this point.

[PacificNorseWest]

Cassel in NE and first year or so in KC is not the same Cassel as today. His last few years were miserable sans one great year. Every other year in KC he was just about 1:1 TD:INT and before he got pulled last year he threw double the amount of INT's than TD's. So yes...His frequency of throwing interceptions is much higher.

Call it what you want on the mobility front, but a run with + yards even though from a lack of throwing is still greater than that same play, but a throw down the field and an INT.

Ain't nobody hoping they lose, but pointing out that the grass isn't always greener. It's not like the Vikings just inherited the second coming of Steve Young or anything. He's stepping in and hopefully can lead to a win, but long-term..Forget it.

[mondry]

We shall see if this even matters. On one hand, our poor pass protection and Cassel's skittishness under pressure and ability to turn the ball over may even rival or be worse than Ponders. On the other, maybe he can hit a couple guys in stride, pick up some bigger gains on the easier throws and be effective. I think it's more likely he'll get destroyed but we'll see. If this was Alex Smith I think we'd be going some where but Cassel to me is like a couple more years experienced but basically identical to Ponder's game with less mobility.

Chiefs fan said this on Reddit

All-Pro running back: Check
Questionable Offensive Coordinator: Check
Defense performing below their collective talent: Check
Matt Cassel: Check
Congrats, Vikings. You are now the 2012 Chiefs. I'm sorry.

Wooo, hopefully that means the #1 pick I guess... sigh.

[PacificNorseWest]

^ That's the risk/reward at play here. Definitely hoping we see quick release and him hitting WR's down the field.

[CbusVikesFan]

Concerns for the upcoming game(s)
Cassel has bad habits that lead to a bad job with ball security. whether it be int's or sack/fumbles.
The offensive line stepping it up a notch or 3.
The defense getting off the field sooner rather than later.
Schemes vs the Steelers. Can they come up with any weaknesses to exploit? and will they?
Can the coaches motivate the players?

[radar55]

The change at Q/B was long over due. Unfortunately, it will be our defense that gets burned and another winnable game will be lost in the 4th quarter. Rothlisberger while not fast seems to have eyes behind his head and somehow avoids a rush only to find wide open receivers down field. With all the injuries in our secondary that means the only change to occur this week be our record changing from 0-3 to 0-4