Christian Ponder didn't have a "great" game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday - he was mistake prone and ultimately looked like a rookie. But, he did make an awful lot of good throws and looked as good as most rookies have lately, throwing for good yardage and almost leading the Minnesota Vikings to a win over the undefeated Packers. He threw for over 200 yards and had two touchdowns, but also had two interceptions.
Regardless of the statline and the fact that the Vikings lost, the fact is that they were right in the thick of a game that most figured they had no place being in. Ponder kept the team in and fought until the last seconds and that is, quite honestly, more than Donovan McNabb has been able to do. Not only was McNabb benched in favor of Ponder due to his poor performance on the field, there's rumors leaking out about McNabb's work ethic and his dedication to the team and being at his best.
Just a week ago, the question was posed :"Is this the last time we'll see McNabb as a viable starter in the NFL?" After Ponder's performance, and these rumors, the answer is likely "yes." McNabb isn't going to be the future of any franchise and utterly failed in his ability to even be a serviceable stopgap this season in Minnesota. Is he going to get signed in the offseason?
There's a decent chance that some team will bring him in as a backup if he's willing, but don't bet on any team signing him with intentions of handing him the starting job.