Vikings: Christian Ponder's head first slide was by design

When Vikings QB Christian Ponder slid head first to get a first down against Buffalo Friday night, there were some concerns.

But not from the Vikings.

After the game, Ponder's Twitter feed lit up with numerous fans saying that Ponder should slide feet first to save himself from injury. “People are tweeting at me like “Dude slide feet-first, what are you doing?” Ponder.

"Coach (Bill) Musgrave made this (film) cut-up about sliding head-first vs. sliding feet-first and we've never seen someone get hurt sliding head first,” said Ponder. “So it's on purpose. When you slide feet-first, you're exposing your body to get hit.”

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave reiterated that message Monday.

“I think all quarterbacks have to make a determination which is better -- feet first or head first,” said Musgrave. “What is really important when a quarterback runs is getting down in a timely manner as those defenders converge. You can maximize and squeeze out those the last possible yard, but at the same time you maintain your health so you can line up for the next play.”

Musgrave said Ponder's slide on Friday was good because he was aware of the situation -- needing only a couple yards for the 1st down. He didn't try to extend the play for the touchdown and put himself in harm's way.

“He got himself down in a timely manner, where sometimes that line between being healthy and getting all the yards you want is almost indistinguishable,” said Musgrave. “But he got himself down in a timely manner and got us the first down. If he would have had to get in the end zone then it would have gotten a little more sticky -- as we can imagine.”

A veteran quarterback of six years in the league, Musgrave should know the best method. He said he took his cue from Broncos QB John Elway, when he played as his backup in Denver. Asked if he was always a head–first slider, Musgrave said, “It was hard to do a lot of diving from the sideline. I was over there in a very safe spot.”

Now he's just trying to keep his starting quarterback Ponder safe, as well.

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