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Ponder vs Weeden? bottle of booze riding on this (1 Viewer)

BuckeyeChaos

Footballguy
I know this is lame. If you are counting on either of these guys you are looking at a last place finish but humor me please.

Which QB ends the year with the higher fantasy numbers and why?

Crazy argument between two owners leads to ridiculous bet.

 
weeden, simply because i have my doubts about Ponder holding up for the whole year...

That being said, it wouldn't shock me to see Campbell beat Weeden out in training camp. I don't expect it to happen, but I'm open to the possibility

 
i agree. I'd take Weeden. Ponder seemed to slip more and more as the season progressed last year. Weeden's biggest challenge is a lack of WR. Gorden is producing, but outside of him, they are lacking.

 
Looks like I'm in the minority but I think you have to take Ponder with that bet. Weeden might not even be the starter at the beginning of the year, or could have a short stint if he performs poorly. No matter how poorly Ponder plays (and he hasn't played that bad for a 2nd year player, not everyone is Luck, Newton, or RG3), he's not losing his job. Based solely on job security I think Ponder is the easy bet here. If Weeden does in fact play the entire year then I could see possibly giving him the nod, but it's still close even if they both play. Given the job security factor I think it's silly not to bet on Ponder in a bet like that.

 
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I wouldn't be so sure about that. They signed Matt Cassell this offseason for that very reason. I'd assume.

No matter how poorly Ponder plays (and he hasn't played that bad for a 2nd year player, not everyone is Luck, Newton, or RG3), he's not losing his job.
 
I wouldn't be so sure about that. They signed Matt Cassell this offseason for that very reason. I'd assume.

No matter how poorly Ponder plays (and he hasn't played that bad for a 2nd year player, not everyone is Luck, Newton, or RG3), he's not losing his job.
Depending on how much stock you put into coach/GM speak, they are all in on Ponder at least for this year.
 
I wouldn't be so sure about that. They signed Matt Cassell this offseason for that very reason. I'd assume.

No matter how poorly Ponder plays (and he hasn't played that bad for a 2nd year player, not everyone is Luck, Newton, or RG3), he's not losing his job.
Depending on how much stock you put into coach/GM speak, they are all in on Ponder at least for this year.
Yea, there's no way Cassell takes over for Ponder unless he has some absurd 1:4 TD to INT ratio after 4 games. Not everyone is a star. Ponder, like the vast majority of QBs in NFL history, needs time to develop. The old adage was 5 years for QBs, but fans don't get that, and it doesn't help having once in a generation type players like Luck coming out and exploding.

Even Rodgers needed three years behind Favre to develop and allow his shoulder to heal (one of the reasons he dropped in the draft). Brady also had a full year to get accustomed to the game before he was thrust into the spotlight. People forget about these things. I'm not saying Ponder is the next star, but he's going to get better and already wasn't that bad.

Note that last season Ponder was 17th in QBR, just behind Stafford, and ahead of Cutler, Bradford, Dalton. Nobody is calling for their heads.

 
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I wouldn't be so sure about that. They signed Matt Cassell this offseason for that very reason. I'd assume.

No matter how poorly Ponder plays (and he hasn't played that bad for a 2nd year player, not everyone is Luck, Newton, or RG3), he's not losing his job.
Depending on how much stock you put into coach/GM speak, they are all in on Ponder at least for this year.
Very little.

I'm sure they are committed to Ponder to start the season, but if he's playing poorly after 4-5 weeks my guess is they'd make a switch. Basically the same situation as Weeden, only perhaps Weeden could conceivably lose the job in preseason to Campbell, while I think Ponder would have to really flop in preseason not to start the year off under center.

 
Weeden

Reasons:

- last year he was a rookie = Ponder was in his 2nd year

- biggest leap for all NFL players is from rookie to sophmore seasons

- Norv Turner and Rob Chudzinski vertical stretch offense fits - Shurmur's WC didn't

- last year only time in NFL history a rookie QB and RB and ORT started season

- add rookie WR Josh Gordon to rookies, Weeden, T-Rich, Mitchell Schwartz, 3 games into season

With all of the rookies and with Trent Richardson coming off of surgery where he missed training camp and the entire preseason Weeden struggled in his first start throwing 4 interceptions and 0 TDs. At the end of the season he had thrown 1 more INT than TD but realistically the first game is the outliner that should be tossed out due to over-arching circumstances. Weeden's true numbers are not bad for a rookie QB.

Ponder had AdP and Percy Harvin. Adrian Peterson had the second greatest single season for an NFL RB in the history of the league. Ponder got his blind-side protector. Ponder was in his second season. Considering the expected leap of all rookies from their first to second years and how well he was set up to make major improvements we didn't see-it.

I agree that Weeden will be in competition and he should be. Last year the starting gig was handed to him without a true competition.

If he wins the starting job then I think he will have solid numbers. The supporting cast surrounding him should improve, the coaching is a hand-glove fit with his skills, and he is coming off of his rookie season into his second season where all NFL rookies who make-it do improve.

 
I'm with Bracie. Weeden, for all the reasons he outlined.

I think this is the type of the bet where the "loser" should win the alcohol...they might need it.

 
Looks like I'm in the minority but I think you have to take Ponder with that bet. Weeden might not even be the starter at the beginning of the year, or could have a short stint if he performs poorly. No matter how poorly Ponder plays (and he hasn't played that bad for a 2nd year player, not everyone is Luck, Newton, or RG3), he's not losing his job. Based solely on job security I think Ponder is the easy bet here. If Weeden does in fact play the entire year then I could see possibly giving him the nod, but it's still close even if they both play. Given the job security factor I think it's silly not to bet on Ponder in a bet like that.
Why is Weeden under threat from Campbell but Ponder not from Cassell? I think job security is a wash as neither is a lock.

 
Weeden because the Browns are a worse team and will be playing from behind more. Ponder is marginally better in NFL terms at this point IMO, but volume will win the day over efficiency. In two years (or less) I think they'll both be backups.

I wouldn't waste a roster spot on either one in a start 1 QB league...

 
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BuckeyeChaos, on 09 May 2013 - 09:45, said:

meyerj31, on 09 May 2013 - 08:53, said:

Looks like I'm in the minority but I think you have to take Ponder with that bet. Weeden might not even be the starter at the beginning of the year, or could have a short stint if he performs poorly. No matter how poorly Ponder plays (and he hasn't played that bad for a 2nd year player, not everyone is Luck, Newton, or RG3), he's not losing his job. Based solely on job security I think Ponder is the easy bet here. If Weeden does in fact play the entire year then I could see possibly giving him the nod, but it's still close even if they both play. Given the job security factor I think it's silly not to bet on Ponder in a bet like that.
Why is Weeden under threat from Campbell but Ponder not from Cassell? I think job security is a wash as neither is a lock.
Because Ponder belongs to the current regime in Minnesota, but the new regime in Cleveland has no ties to Weeden. Cassel won't take over unless Ponder really flops, but a stretch like he had from weeks 6-14 last year could do it.

I'm more worried about Ponder's arm, which has been a problem dating back to at least 2009. It was kind of lost in the playoff frenzy, but he actually had to go to the ER because of his arm injury after the season was over:

After saying there was no lingering problems with the elbow injury that kept him from participating in the playoff loss at Green Bay, Ponder talked about how long it took to get healthy:

A: "A couple weeks after [the season was over], the injury came back randomly. The whole arm swelled up and I actually had to go to the ER and get that taken care of. It was a little scary with [concerns] about a blood clot. But it ended up being fine. The bruise came back. About two weeks after that, all the effects went away. Since then, I've been working out probably two months and it's been fine."

On what took place in the emergency room:

A: "They didn't do anything. I got an MRI [magnetic resonance imaging exam] and they said the contusion came back. I don't know why or how, but it did. It was just weird. All of a sudden, the whole thing got rock hard and swelled up. I was scared to death that it was a blood clot, so I went to the ER. They said it was fine. Just to ice it down or whatever and it would work itself out."

On what the phone call was like when he informed the Vikings he was heading for the ER with an arm issue:

A: "I called Sugs [head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman] first. Thanks goodness because the doctor at the ER, obviously, she was a great help but she wanted to go into surgery. She thought it was compartmental syndrome. It was a little scary. Luckily, Sugs called at the right moment and talked to the doctor and said don't do anything crazy. Just go get an MRI to make sure. And it ended up being fine. They were scaring me with what they wanted to do."
 
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Shutout said:
I'm with Bracie. Weeden, for all the reasons he outlined.

I think this is the type of the bet where the "loser" should win the alcohol...they might need it.
:lol: Agreed!

This is a difficult call. I think the Browns offense under turner is going to be a bit more QB friendly than the offense the Vikings will run which will be more dependent on YAC.

I think Ponder if healthy starts all season and continues to improve, his stats will depend a lot on how quickly Patterson develops however and Richardson is a much greater help to Weeden in the passing game than Peterson helps Ponder.

So long ball + Richardson = Weeden but Ponder may get more wins.

 
Sigmund Bloom said:
BuckeyeChaos said:
BuckeyeChaos, on 09 May 2013 - 09:45, said:

meyerj31 said:
meyerj31, on 09 May 2013 - 08:53, said:

Looks like I'm in the minority but I think you have to take Ponder with that bet. Weeden might not even be the starter at the beginning of the year, or could have a short stint if he performs poorly. No matter how poorly Ponder plays (and he hasn't played that bad for a 2nd year player, not everyone is Luck, Newton, or RG3), he's not losing his job. Based solely on job security I think Ponder is the easy bet here. If Weeden does in fact play the entire year then I could see possibly giving him the nod, but it's still close even if they both play. Given the job security factor I think it's silly not to bet on Ponder in a bet like that.
Why is Weeden under threat from Campbell but Ponder not from Cassell? I think job security is a wash as neither is a lock.
Because Ponder belongs to the current regime in Minnesota, but the new regime in Cleveland has no ties to Weeden. Cassel won't take over unless Ponder really flops, but a stretch like he had from weeks 6-14 last year could do it.

I'm more worried about Ponder's arm, which has been a problem dating back to at least 2009. It was kind of lost in the playoff frenzy, but he actually had to go to the ER because of his arm injury after the season was over:

>

After saying there was no lingering problems with the elbow injury that kept him from participating in the playoff loss at Green Bay, Ponder talked about how long it took to get healthy:

A: "A couple weeks after [the season was over], the injury came back randomly. The whole arm swelled up and I actually had to go to the ER and get that taken care of. It was a little scary with [concerns] about a blood clot. But it ended up being fine. The bruise came back. About two weeks after that, all the effects went away. Since then, I've been working out probably two months and it's been fine."

On what took place in the emergency room:

A: "They didn't do anything. I got an MRI [magnetic resonance imaging exam] and they said the contusion came back. I don't know why or how, but it did. It was just weird. All of a sudden, the whole thing got rock hard and swelled up. I was scared to death that it was a blood clot, so I went to the ER. They said it was fine. Just to ice it down or whatever and it would work itself out."

On what the phone call was like when he informed the Vikings he was heading for the ER with an arm issue:

A: "I called Sugs [head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman] first. Thanks goodness because the doctor at the ER, obviously, she was a great help but she wanted to go into surgery. She thought it was compartmental syndrome. It was a little scary. Luckily, Sugs called at the right moment and talked to the doctor and said don't do anything crazy. Just go get an MRI to make sure. And it ended up being fine. They were scaring me with what they wanted to do."
WOW

i had not heard this before

crazy

 
I can't imagine anyone relying on either of these guys as their #1 QB.

I could see Weeden outscoring Ponder often but I could also see Weeden getting benched. I would go with Ponder as a reliable low scoring backup.

 
At this point of his career, why does anyone have confidence in Campbell? I understand Weeden is borderline and all, but really, Jason Campbell?

 
At this point of his career, why does anyone have confidence in Campbell? I understand Weeden is borderline and all, but really, Jason Campbell?
I think it's more lack of confidence in Campbell than confidence in Weeden. Weeden didn't have to win a QB competition last year and the new regime brought in Campbell. If it's truly a level playing field in camp, I can't say for sure that Weeden will win.

 
Dr. Octopus said:
I wouldn't be so sure about that. They signed Matt Cassell this offseason for that very reason. I'd assume.

meyerj31 said:
No matter how poorly Ponder plays (and he hasn't played that bad for a 2nd year player, not everyone is Luck, Newton, or RG3), he's not losing his job.
They signed Cassel because they realized they had no viable plan B in that beating in the playoffs. Ponder is their guy, sink or swim. Weeden is not their guy in Cleveland. Basically, these guys didn't see anything better available and are using this as an evaluation year, including Weeden. The rug could be pulled out from under him at any moment, once they've decided he's not their guy for the future, Campbell is there in case that does happen so they still have someone who can go out there and at least keep games competitive.

 
At this point of his career, why does anyone have confidence in Campbell? I understand Weeden is borderline and all, but really, Jason Campbell?
I think it's more lack of confidence in Campbell than confidence in Weeden. Weeden didn't have to win a QB competition last year and the new regime brought in Campbell. If it's truly a level playing field in camp, I can't say for sure that Weeden will win.
I would offer the following as a counterpoint to this sentiment. If Weeden is not THE GUY the Browns will need a high draft pick to acquire one of the nice ones coming out next year. If Weeden is not getting it done the will suck and get a good pick. What good would putting in Campbell do and winning a few more games? Campbell is defenitely not the guy. They would only be trading a couple more wins to lose out on the next possible franchise QB. With this logic Ponder is actually MORE likely to get benched if he sucks since MIN can actually make the playoffs with everyone else on that team.

 
I don't have much of an opinion on Ponder, but I don't know if there is another QB I would put below Weeden if I had to rank all 32 teams right now.

I understand he was a rookie last year, and he had a rookie RB, WR and RT, but let's look at the facts.

1. How much upside does this guy have? He'll be 30 about 4-5 weeks into the season; he can always learn the Cleveland offense better, but physically and mentally, he probably as mature as he's going to get.

2. His rookie RB and RT (actually the entire offense) protected him fairly well. He ranked 10th in the NFL in sacks per attempt (in a positive way).

3. His rookie stats were BAD across the board.

- Under 60% completion rate (57.4%) - 27th

- Under 7 YPA (6.55) - 27th

- Upside down TD/INT ratio (14/17) - 27th.

Even looking at advanced stats, about the best thing you can say for Weeden is that he played in all 16 games. Add in the fact the team didn't upgrade the offense at all in the draft or much through FA, and I have a feeling the Browns will be picking a QB early in 2014.

 
At this point of his career, why does anyone have confidence in Campbell? I understand Weeden is borderline and all, but really, Jason Campbell?
I think it's more lack of confidence in Campbell than confidence in Weeden. Weeden didn't have to win a QB competition last year and the new regime brought in Campbell. If it's truly a level playing field in camp, I can't say for sure that Weeden will win.
I would offer the following as a counterpoint to this sentiment. If Weeden is not THE GUY the Browns will need a high draft pick to acquire one of the nice ones coming out next year. If Weeden is not getting it done the will suck and get a good pick. What good would putting in Campbell do and winning a few more games? Campbell is defenitely not the guy. They would only be trading a couple more wins to lose out on the next possible franchise QB. With this logic Ponder is actually MORE likely to get benched if he sucks since MIN can actually make the playoffs with everyone else on that team.
Teams do not play for draft picks, they play to win games. Every game. Some mail it in week 17, but I can't think of any team giving up before then. Sure, some mentally check out, but no team actively tries to lose games.

If Cleveland wins too many games to be in a position to draft Teddy Bridgewater, Tahj Boyd, Johnny Football, etc. and determine Weeden isn't the guy then they will trade up to get one of them.

 
I don't have much of an opinion on Ponder, but I don't know if there is another QB I would put below Weeden if I had to rank all 32 teams right now. I understand he was a rookie last year, and he had a rookie RB, WR and RT, but let's look at the facts. 1. How much upside does this guy have? He'll be 30 about 4-5 weeks into the season; he can always learn the Cleveland offense better, but physically and mentally, he probably as mature as he's going to get. 2. His rookie RB and RT (actually the entire offense) protected him fairly well. He ranked 10th in the NFL in sacks per attempt (in a positive way). 3. His rookie stats were BAD across the board.- Under 60% completion rate (57.4%) - 27th- Under 7 YPA (6.55) - 27th- Upside down TD/INT ratio (14/17) - 27th. Even looking at advanced stats, about the best thing you can say for Weeden is that he played in all 16 games. Add in the fact the team didn't upgrade the offense at all in the draft or much through FA, and I have a feeling the Browns will be picking a QB early in 2014.
Yea, exactly. Weeden was 26.6 in QBR in 2012.That's half what Ponder had (53.8), who also finished a respectable 17th. Maybe his arm injury could be a problem in the future, but otherwise I don't get the hate. He's developing. QBs take longer than any other position to develop. Give him time. Weeden, on the other hand, at 30, is about maxed out. And he still performed far worse than Ponder. By the way, in Ponder's rookie season, he had 33.7 QBR.
 
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At this point of his career, why does anyone have confidence in Campbell? I understand Weeden is borderline and all, but really, Jason Campbell?
I think it's more lack of confidence in Campbell than confidence in Weeden. Weeden didn't have to win a QB competition last year and the new regime brought in Campbell. If it's truly a level playing field in camp, I can't say for sure that Weeden will win.
I would offer the following as a counterpoint to this sentiment. If Weeden is not THE GUY the Browns will need a high draft pick to acquire one of the nice ones coming out next year. If Weeden is not getting it done the will suck and get a good pick. What good would putting in Campbell do and winning a few more games? Campbell is defenitely not the guy. They would only be trading a couple more wins to lose out on the next possible franchise QB. With this logic Ponder is actually MORE likely to get benched if he sucks since MIN can actually make the playoffs with everyone else on that team.
Teams do not play for draft picks, they play to win games. Every game. Some mail it in week 17, but I can't think of any team giving up before then. Sure, some mentally check out, but no team actively tries to lose games.

If Cleveland wins too many games to be in a position to draft Teddy Bridgewater, Tahj Boyd, Johnny Football, etc. and determine Weeden isn't the guy then they will trade up to get one of them.
It seems like that is what I said but I didn't mean they plan to lose. I just mean that I believe they will give Weeden an extremely long rope to make sure 100% without a doubt that he is or isn't the guy. They know Campbell is not the guy so I think he is there to push Weeden and protect against injury. I can't imagine the scenario where Weeden doesn't start the year as QB1.

 
I don't have much of an opinion on Ponder, but I don't know if there is another QB I would put below Weeden if I had to rank all 32 teams right now. I understand he was a rookie last year, and he had a rookie RB, WR and RT, but let's look at the facts. 1. How much upside does this guy have? He'll be 30 about 4-5 weeks into the season; he can always learn the Cleveland offense better, but physically and mentally, he probably as mature as he's going to get. 2. His rookie RB and RT (actually the entire offense) protected him fairly well. He ranked 10th in the NFL in sacks per attempt (in a positive way). 3. His rookie stats were BAD across the board.- Under 60% completion rate (57.4%) - 27th- Under 7 YPA (6.55) - 27th- Upside down TD/INT ratio (14/17) - 27th. Even looking at advanced stats, about the best thing you can say for Weeden is that he played in all 16 games. Add in the fact the team didn't upgrade the offense at all in the draft or much through FA, and I have a feeling the Browns will be picking a QB early in 2014.
Yea, exactly. Weeden was 26.6 in QBR in 2012.That's half what Ponder had (53.8), who also finished a respectable 17th. Maybe his arm injury could be a problem in the future, but otherwise I don't get the hate. He's developing. QBs take longer than any other position to develop. Give him time. Weeden, on the other hand, at 30, is about maxed out. And he still performed far worse than Ponder. By the way, in Ponder's rookie season, he had 33.7 QBR.
You are flat wrong that a QB would be maxed out at age 30 after his rookie season. Every old QB from Elway to Favre and so on said that they continued to develop a better understanding of the game well into their upper 30s. The old "if I knew then what I know now" syndrome. I wouldn't even say that physically he's maxed out since he has only had one year in an NFL workout program. Sorry if this seems a harsh retort on your comments.

 
At this point of his career, why does anyone have confidence in Campbell? I understand Weeden is borderline and all, but really, Jason Campbell?
I think it's more lack of confidence in Campbell than confidence in Weeden. Weeden didn't have to win a QB competition last year and the new regime brought in Campbell. If it's truly a level playing field in camp, I can't say for sure that Weeden will win.
I would offer the following as a counterpoint to this sentiment. If Weeden is not THE GUY the Browns will need a high draft pick to acquire one of the nice ones coming out next year. If Weeden is not getting it done the will suck and get a good pick. What good would putting in Campbell do and winning a few more games? Campbell is defenitely not the guy. They would only be trading a couple more wins to lose out on the next possible franchise QB. With this logic Ponder is actually MORE likely to get benched if he sucks since MIN can actually make the playoffs with everyone else on that team.
Teams do not play for draft picks, they play to win games. Every game. Some mail it in week 17, but I can't think of any team giving up before then. Sure, some mentally check out, but no team actively tries to lose games. If Cleveland wins too many games to be in a position to draft Teddy Bridgewater, Tahj Boyd, Johnny Football, etc. and determine Weeden isn't the guy then they will trade up to get one of them.
It seems like that is what I said but I didn't mean they plan to lose. I just mean that I believe they will give Weeden an extremely long rope to make sure 100% without a doubt that he is or isn't the guy. They know Campbell is not the guy so I think he is there to push Weeden and protect against injury. I can't imagine the scenario where Weeden doesn't start the year as QB1.
I agree. I could be wrong, but I don't think anyone actually believes Campbell is the guy. Sure there is a lot of reason to question weather Weeden is or is not as well. But I think he will be given every chance to prove his worth.
 
At this point of his career, why does anyone have confidence in Campbell? I understand Weeden is borderline and all, but really, Jason Campbell?
I think it's more lack of confidence in Campbell than confidence in Weeden. Weeden didn't have to win a QB competition last year and the new regime brought in Campbell. If it's truly a level playing field in camp, I can't say for sure that Weeden will win.
You have to factor in extenuating circumstances.

Ponder - the second best performance in NFL history with his running back Adrian Peterson

That is a pretty significant positive extenuating circumstance for any quarterback but then factor in; Percy Harvin who is a weapon for any offense. Add the Vikings drafted a true franchise offensive left tackle in Matt Kahlil and it can't be stated enough but Ponder wasn't a rookie.

Never in the entire history of the National Football League had a rookie quarterback started his career with:

- a rookie RB

The rookie RB was talented but he missed training camp and preseason and hadn't had any contact due to surgery on his knee.

- a rookie RT

Granted Schwartz would finish the season as one of the best right tackles in the league but in that first game he struggled against Philly's wide-nine D-Line and got beat badly on a couple of sacks.

Weeden will be entering his second season he should improve but factor in that the offensive system will suit his best physical feature, his big arm, and that, running back Trent Richardson won't be coming off knee surgery or be playing with broken ribs and he will be in training camp and get work in preseason games and he won't be a rookie.

Add right tackle Mitchell Schwartz is already one of the better ORTs in the league and won't be a rookie so he should improve.

Add WR Josh Gordon was selected soo late in the supplemental draft that he fell far behind. Josh hadn't played college football in over a year before falling behind in camp and sitting on the bench the first three games before being pushed into the starting lineup due to injuries. Josh was limited in his routes last year but on the few routes he ran he was a weapon. He's had a full offseason, he will be available for a full training camp and preseason. Add the new offense is tailor-made for his talents.

The best part about Gordon's addition last year was his pressence took pressure off of second year WR Greg Little who quietly turned his game around and at the end of last year G-Little was catching the ball and looked like a legitimate #2 NFL WR.

Ponder - still has AdP and Matt Kahlil but lost Harvin although he added Jennings and rookie Cordarrelle Patterson

Christian in the same circumatances he was in last year.

Weeden's circumstances have improved. Personnel-wise RB Trent Richardson, RT Mitchell Schwartz, WRs Josh Gordon and Greg Little are young healthy and are no longer rookies or second year guys. They all look like players on the rise. Offensive system and coaching of Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner is a really good fit for, Weeden, Richardson, Gordon.

The guys who are making the decisions will factor in extenuating circumstances and they know a veteran NFL QB should look better in camp or in preseason over an guy without that experience.

The Vikings made the playoffs so they won't make a change unless they are positive Cassell is better and would take them further.

The Browns current front office didn't select Weeden but they know that the team they inherited has young talent that is on the rise. Since they didn't take Weeden they have to be sold. They don't know if Weeden is thee guy but I think they will give the benefit of doubt and project upside. I don't see them making any changes in camp or stirring up a QB controversy. I think they won't have a short hook because I don't envision them thinking that Jason Cambell is thee guy that they want to lay their jobs on the line to build the team around.

I think Weeden gets a wide-birth to keep the starting gig and the front office signed Cambell as a veteran back-up who fit the system whereas Colt McCoy didn't and was traded away.

I can see Weeden starting and benefiting from the new system and how the supporting cast around him will improve. I can see Ponder starting but I don't see the system change or how the absence of Percy Harvin benefits him and I can't imagine Adrian Peterson will have a better season than he did last year.

The question is between Christian Ponder and Brandon Weeden, who has the better fantasy numbers at the end of the year?

Ponder had 9 games where he didn't throw for 200 yards and only 1 game where he threw for over 300 yards. He can run but only ran for 263 yards and 2 TDs so the coaching staff isn't running any versions of the read-option or Pistol. That offense is built around Adrian Peterson.

Weeden had 4 games where he didn't throw for 200 yards but the last game he got injured before halftime and 3 games where he threw for over 300 yards. Norv Turner will attack on offense with vertical deep passes which drops the safety so Trent should benefit but the upside is there for Weeden.

I don't see as much fantasy upside for Ponder.

 
Ponder had 9 games where he didn't throw for 200 yards and only 1 game where he threw for over 300 yards. He can run but only ran for 263 yards and 2 TDs so the coaching staff isn't running any versions of the read-option or Pistol. That offense is built around Adrian Peterson.
5 of those 9 games that he didn't throw for 200 yards came with Harvin out of the lineup...and the WR corps in Minnesota last year was HORRIBLE!!

I think if they both play all year, Weeden ends up with better fantasy numbers, just because they will throw more than the Vikings.

However, overall, I think Ponder is the much better QB...even if I wouldn't want him in a fantasy league...

 

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