Just so there is no ambiguity, understand that Matt Cassel signed in Minnesota to be the backup to Christian Ponder.

Some suggested perhaps Cassel, who was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs and quickly scooped up by the Vikings, would be in an open competition with Ponder for the starting job. Not so fast.

“I understand the role completely,” Cassel said, according to Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “Without a doubt.”

Per the report, the Vikings were not going to sign a backup who wasn’t willing to fit seamlessly in the role. They were driven to find an upgrade over Joe Webb and Cassel brings experience with 62 NFL starts.

“I think as a quarterback in the NFL, you never really do adjust your mindset, whether you’re a starter or a backup,” Cassel said. “The preparation has to be the same. You’re always going to get 110 percent out of me whether I’m on the field or backing up. … I’ve worked hard to build that type of reputation and continue to be a team player.”

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune