Christian Ponder started against the Packers because the recently acquired Josh Freeman had a concussion.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. Lorenzo Cain Jersey . - The Minnesota Vikings defence cant stop anybody. Theres a different quarterback under centre every week. The star defensive end is the subject of trade rumours. And the coaching staff is stepping out onto thinner and thinner ice with each successive blowout loss. Other than that, things couldnt be going better for them. The Vikings (1-6) have already lost as many games as they did all of last season while making a surprising run to the playoffs. After getting hammered by the Green Bay Packers in a 44-31 loss on Sunday night that was nowhere near as close as the final score indicated, coach Leslie Frazier finds himself trying to come to grips with a season that looks all but lost. "There was no scenario going through my mind that would put us at 1-6 in this juncture," Frazier said. "Looking at the way our games have transpired, I do understand why we are where we are. I do believe we can get some things fixed and get going here. Theres definitely some things we have to work on to get done, but I do believe its possible to get it done." If Frazier has exhibited one defining characteristic during his three-plus seasons on the job, its an unshakable sense of calm even in the most difficult moments. In the wake of an embarrassing loss to their NFC North rivals at the Metrodome on Sunday night, his resolve is being tested yet again. Aaron Rodgers dissected the defence, converting over 72 per cent of the Packers third downs and directing scoring drives on every possession but the last one, when he took a knee to mercifully run out the clock. For the season, opponents are converting 51 per cent of their third downs against the Vikings, by far the highest number in the league. "Were so bad right now on third down on defence," Frazier said. "Youve got to look at how were doing it, what were doing schematically, and also the people that youre asking to do certain things. Can they get it done? Do we need to be doing something different based on the people that were asking to execute the defence?" The NFLs trade deadline is Tuesday afternoon, and several Vikings have heard their names come up in the rumour mill. Defensive end Jared Allen and seldom-used backup running back Toby Gerhart are two of the players mentioned most often. "Honestly, Im not even going to address it," Allen said after the game. "Im not going to speculate on something that I havent had a conversation about. And Im not going to speculate on something that hasnt happened. I cross all bridges when I get to them and right now Im trying to figure out a way for us to make this defence better." Frazier said he knows players read reports on the internet, but coaches would buckle down on them this week to make sure theyre focused going forward. "Were going to try to continue to keep them focused on the task at hand, and in this case, its trying to prepare as well as we can for this ballgame against Dallas," he said. "Thats whats most important." Frazier declined to identify a starting quarterback for the Cowboys game. The Vikings have changed starting quarterbacks, either because of injury, ineffectiveness or both, five times in their last six games, and all indications are another change will be made this week. Christian Ponder started against the Packers because the recently acquired Josh Freeman had a concussion. But Ponder failed to seize the opportunity after being benched a month ago, looking skittish in the pocket and unable to work through his progression of receivers with any efficiency. Veteran Matt Cassel is the only quarterback to win a game for the Vikings this year, but Frazier said Monday that Freeman or Ponder will start against the Cowboys. "Hes done everything weve asked him to," Frazier said of Cassel. "Hes practiced well, prepared well. He was ready yesterday if needed be, and hell continue to work as hard he can. I dont know if theres any one thing I can point to and say why its Christian and Josh in this determination." As long as Freeman is fully healthy, he is the likely choice to face the Cowboys. He had a terrible debut against the Giants two weeks ago, but the Vikings want to get a long look at him to see if he could be their quarterback of the future. And while Frazier has heard fans calling for his ouster, the team still seems to stand firmly behind him. "Coach cant get out there and throw a pass or run, or block," Adrian Peterson said. "Its on us as players to make this turnaround." ___ AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org ___ Follow Jon Krawczynski on Twitter: http://twitter.com/APKrawczynski Edinson Volquez Jersey . LOUIS -- Known for his game-managing and defensive skills, Yadier Molina made another statement with his bat. George Brett Jersey . Catch the action live on TSN2 at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. The Wild lead the Northwest Division and look to get back into the win column after having a season-high seven-game winning streak cut short with Tuesdays 2-1 loss at Winnipeg in the finale of a five-game road trip (4-1-0). http://www.mlbroyalsjerseyteamshop.com/authentic-joakim-soria-royals-jersey/ . Costa Rica followed up its wins over Uruguay and Italy by holding England to a dour 0-0 draw on Tuesday, enough to finish first in Group D.New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - The NHL announced Friday that Chris Pronger has been named to the leagues Department of Player Safety, even though the veteran defenseman remains under contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. Pronger has not played in an NHL game since November of 2011 due to chronic symptoms resulting from a series of concussion, but has not officially retired because of the remainder of his contract with the Flyers would count towards the salary cap. The former Hart and Norris Trophy winner still has three seasons remaining on the seven-year extension he signed with Philadelphia in 2009. The 40-year-old has earned five All-Star Game appearances and recorded 698 points (157 goals, 541 assists) in 1,167 regular-season games over 18 NHL seasons. Alex Gordon Jersey. Prongers best season came with the St. Louis Blues in 1999-00, when he posted a career-high 62 points (14 goals, 48 assists) and a plus-52 rating to capture both the leagues MVP and top defenseman awards. Pronger also helped Anaheim win the 2007 Stanley Cup and reached the Cup Finals with both Edmonton (2006) and Philadelphia (2010). The decorated defenseman also has plenty of previous experience dealing with the Department of Player Safety, as he was suspended a total of eight times over the course of his career. Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys ' ' '