DENVER – Christian Ponder’s confidence took a beating in Minnesota and he quickly went from expected franchise quarterback to the scrap heap.
On Saturday night, in just his fourth full day with the 49ers, he played more than any of the team’s other quarterbacks in a 31-24 victory over the Denver Broncos in the second exhibition game for both teams.
Not only did Ponder play a lot, he played well. Ponder was on the field for the 49ers’ final 24 snaps and led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives.
“It was fun,” Ponder said. “I haven’t had that much fun on a football field in a long time.