Coach Leslie Frazier stated late last year that backup quarterback Joe Webb played so well in relief down the stretch that the Vikings would have to give him a “hard look” during the 2012 offseason, perhaps even as competition for 2011 first-round pick Christian Ponder.
While Webb has shed his old part-time receiver duties and practiced strictly at quarterback this spring, he’s not going to get the chance Frazier suggested he would.
“If something were to happen to Christian because of injury, we feel like we have a capable backup in Joe,” Frazier said, per FOX Sports North. “But there’s no competition as to ‘Joe has to do this to beat out Christian.’ Christian, it’s his job.”
Though Webb is strong armed, he’s been mostly a check-down passer in his spot appearances. He has shown playmaking ability on the ground, running for a 65-yard touchdown in Week Fourteen last year and accounting for three all-purpose scores in Week Sixteen.
Webb might not be a legitimate NFL starter, but he’s earned the promotion to be Ponder’s top backup. And considering Ponder’s injury history going back to Florida State, it’s a fair bet that Webb will play in games this year.