Ponder, progressing or regressing?

Four practices into training camp doesn't paint too good of a picture for any team, but people and stats will start to pop out. And with all eyes on the development of 2nd year quarterback Christian Ponder, his numbers are under the 'scope.

The first two practices, Friday and Saturday, were in shells. Ponder collectively went 28/31 (90%)  in 11 - on - 11's those two days. It showed the chemistry that he will likely have with Rudolph, Simpson and Harvin. This was a great start to training camp and showed great progress from last year.

The last two practices, Monday and Tuesday, were in full pads. Ponder collectively went 15/22 (68%) in 11 - on - 11's those two days. A significant drop from the previous two days, however 68% is still a good completion rate and is likely due to getting used to wearing the pads again. However, two passes today were reminiscent of McNabb throwing them into the ground last season. Frazier says this early in training camp, there's no need to panic after a drop in performance. I agree with that, but with strong hopes of a positive 2012/13 season, much of that rides on how Ponder plays.

There's much more time to make a true determination on Ponder and whether or not he's making progress or regressing in his 2nd year. From observations already made via tape or through reports, Ponder has made progress in the off season and is looking more confident than last year which I'm largely attributing to the reworked O-line with the addition of Kalil, Loadholt looking solid so far, Johnson looking great and more natural at the LG position and the competition for RG with two quality players. As well as the great chemistry he is building with Simpson, Harvin and Rudolph. I'm with the major hoping it's progress, but if it's regression I still don't think we'll beat out(or lose out) the Jaguars for the #1 pick.