This upcoming stretch of four games may be the biggest professional stretch of CHRISTIAN PONDER'S career. When I asked him today 9-to-Noon whether he is concerned he will not be the long-term solution at QB for the Vikings he didn't lack conviction with his answer but also didn't sound like a guy who felt the question was stupid because he has done enough win the race.

CP needs a patch of games to hold up his side of the bargain as a starting quarterback in the NFL and to play well enough to convince the GM he is the right guy to head into the 2013 campaign as a legit option at starting QB. Being a three-chinned Rube looking at it through the binoculars it seems to be Christian becomes timid at times during games, which cannot happen as a starting QB in the NFL because ferocious, cold-blooded defenders will make you pay and teammates will second-guess you. They know how you feel when you enter the huddle and bark out commands. It's called "huddle presence" and it's a leadership role the greats possess.

The thing that is bugging me a tad right now about a person of whom I am very fond is I have seen positive things before. He was perfect in the Niners game and had some cold-blooded QB to him. Last year when he went for 381 and three against Denver his passes had more velocity. With the 211 and two against Oakland he, too, commanded the scene better. During his first road win October 3 of last year he passed for 236 and 1 and was slinging the ball all over the yard with the poise of a guy who looked the part.

This season the majority of his passes -- as mentioned yesterday and today with him -- are of the touch variety, and sometimes it looks like he's thinking too much and playing, quite honestly, too timidly. It has to stop. That's why I brough up CEE LO GREEN to him today. CP, channel your inner CLG and say "Bleep him and bleep you too ... ain't that some bleep?" Just do it. Look at the defense like it has no chance because you are so well prepared and talented you belong in the NFL.

This is a big stretch for him the next three games because the defenses he is facing all are good to elite and they know he is reeling. They see his flaws on tape but also know he is capable of making plays because he has done it before. I wonder what has gone amiss besides the fact he misses PERCY HARVIN making players miss and making big plays?

With all the hits and the beating he took late last year has the confidence been beaten out of him like DAVID CARR and/or to a certain extent SAM BRADFORD? Is he afraid he's going to get blasted and therefore isn't playing up to expectations?

It has to turn around beginning Sunday against the Bears because if he comes up sour this next series of games The General Manager might be pressed to find a new guy, and if that's the case we totally whiffed on the 12th overall selection last year and will have to continue to manipulate the most important position on the field to become better. Christian is a very smart guy and knows what's in front of him -- loosen up and prove your detractors wrong.