EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman is giving quarterback Christian Ponder a big vote of confidence.

Spielman says “I have full, 100 percent belief that Christian Ponder’s going to be our quarterback heading into the future.” Spielman made the comments on Wednesday during a bye-week session with reporters.

Ponder is in his first full season as the Vikings starter, and second since he was a first-round draft choice in 2011. He has been up and down this year and twice failed to throw for more than 65 yards in a game. But he had a nice bounce-back last week in a win over Detroit that moved the Vikings to 6-4.

Spielman says it’s important to remain patient with Ponder has he goes through a three-year development plan.

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