By Ross Jones, FOXSports.com And just like that, the Christian Ponder Era is over. Well, sort of. Josh Freeman still has plenty to learn about the Vikings offense, but head coach Leslie Frazier has seen enough to make the decision to start the fifth-year quarterback Monday night against the New York Giants. Freeman, who signed a one-year deal with the club a little over a week ago, has been a quick study and has settled in nicely with the team. “He has adapted to our system,” Frazier said. “I like his work ethic. He has done enough for us to say that he is ready.” Frazier also noted that former first-round pick Ponder would back up Freeman and Matt Cassel will be behind him. It’s interesting that Frazier mentioned Freeman’s work ethic, as plenty of analysts were quick to speculate that he didn’t put in the time or effort to be successful in Tampa. That wasn’t the case. The Vikings (1-4) are in the basement of the NFC North, but the season is still early enough to make a run. Freeman will look to add a spark to the offense and feature the Vikings’ offseason receiving acquisitions Cordarrelle Patterson and Greg Jennings. A productive passing game, of course, would open up running lanes for Adrian Peterson. Freeman, who will enter free agency after this season, now has an opportunity to wash away his negative public perception with a few good games. Questions? Comments? Send them to lacesoutmail@gmail.com and we might respond in our weekly mailbag!
