The Vikings are encouraged by the progress being made by Christian Ponder, who begins his second NFL season as the team's starting quarterback. "Ponder is going to be better," general manager Rick Spielman said. "He has so much more confidence, so much more confidence." Ponder was frustrated to see the excellent seasons fellow 2011 Draft members Cam Newton and Andy Dalton had as rookies in comparison to his own. "It definitely puts a chip on my shoulder," he said. "I know those guys. To see them play well and to know I didn't play as well definitely motivates me. But they obviously are good players." Ponder was also unable to finish two games last season due to injuries and he has attempted to bulk up to prepare his body for the rigors of the NFL.