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Sticking With Christian Ponder As Starter Is The Right Move, Fran Tarkenton Says

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder will have to prove himself in 2012, but he's already got one notable backer: legendary Vikings QB Frank Tarkenton.

In a column for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Tarkenton thinks that the Vikings are making the right decision in going with former first-round draft pick Ponder as the team's starter:

The Vikings are committing to Ponder, and it tells me the leadership on this team really gets it. The Vikings understand the only way to achieve real, sustainable success is by finding a great quarterback. Even though Joe Webb is a really talented guy, you have to know who is The Guy at quarterback.

(via TwinCities.com)

Tarkenton believes that Ponder knowing he's the undisputed starter will allow him to play with freedom, and the Pro Football Hall of Famer sees the second-year signal-caller making a huge leap in 2012.

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Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.