Ponder reworks his throwing mechanics

n the midst of the lockout, Christian Ponder continues to do everything he can in an effort to prepare for his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings.

He’s been working diligently at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and spending a lot of time with Chris Weinke. Not only have they gone over elements of the Vikings’ playbook, Weinke has fine-tuned Ponder’s throwing motion in an effort to reduce some arm problems he had in his final two seasons at Florida State.

“(My arm) feels great,” Ponder said on KFAN, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “Actually me and Chris have done some things – he’s fixed some things in my mechanics and I’m throwing the ball extremely well. That’s one thing why I’m excited for the season to get started so I can get back out there and really play.”

The Vikings don’t have a quarterback with experience on the roster, so as it stands now Ponder will have an opportunity to compete for a starting job. But it’s expected the team will bring in a veteran. Does he believe the lockout is sabotaging his opportunity to start this season?

“I definitely don’t think it’s helping me,” Ponder said. “I need as much time and practice as I can get. It’s good what I’m doing now. But it’s completely different when you’re going against defenses and you’re getting coaching from (offensive coordinator Bill) Musgrave and being with your teammates. I definitely don’t think it’s helping me.”

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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