Vikes' Jared Allen says QB Christian Ponder has to be 'the guy'

Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder needs to have a big 2013 season if he wants to keep his job. (Andy King/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings were rock bottom in the NFL last season in passing yards, 31st in yards per attempt and their quarterback combined to throw 18 touchdown passes.

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen says that's not good enough and it's on quarterback Christian Ponder to get the job done.

Ponder was responsible for those 18 touchdown passes, but also threw 12 interceptions. Despite that, the Vikings did make the playoffs and lost in the Wild Card round to their division rivals the Green Bay Packers.

The Vikings added two new weapons for Ponder this season: free agent wide receiver Greg Jennings and first-round draft pick Cordarrelle Patterson of Tennessee.

"I tell him all the time, you have to be the guy." Allen said, via the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "Adrian (Peterson) can carry this team so far; our defense can carry this team so far. ... You know, you look at teams that historically win championships, and they have consistent play from the quarterback position." "You should kind of have things down in your third year," Allen said. "We've got some good weapons for him. I hope he makes leaps and bounds, and has a phenomenal year, and we have a phenomenal year."