Tarvaris Jackson News: Pro Sports Daily

VIkings backup Tarvaris Jackson says he has learned a lot watching Brett Favre

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November 19

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"Aaron Rodgers watched Brett Favre from the Green Bay Packers' bench for three seasons before succeeding the future hall of fame quarterback. Tarvaris Jackson, 26, is watching Favre, 40, through nine games with the Vikings this season and improving, coach Brad Childress said Wednesday. Jackson said the most important thing he has learned as Favre's top backup is to be himself and not be influenced by others. "There are little things, but the biggest thing probably is not football related, but it's how he's going to be himself regardless of the situation," Jackson said of Favre on Wednesday. "He's going to do what he knows; he's going to be Brett. What this really boils down to is being what ..."

Vikings' Tarvaris Jackson to back up Brett Favre today

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September 13

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Tarvaris Jackson is expected to back up starting quarterback Brett Favre today in the season opener in Cleveland, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Vikings coach Brad Childress said last week that he wanted to see how Jackson and veteran Sage Rosenfels performed in practice. He said the backup could change from week to week. Jackson and Rosenfels had been slated to compete for the starting job until the Vikings signed Favre on Aug. 18. Favre was immediately slated as the starting quarterback and recently was named one of the team's five captains for the season, along with guard Steve Hutchinson, defensive tackle Kevin Williams, middle linebacker E.J. Henderson and ..."

Rick Spielman: It's all good with Vikings quarterbacks

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September 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"There was a lot of speculation that the Vikings were shopping quarterback Tarvaris Jackson before ultimately deciding to keep him on the 53-man roster Saturday. Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman declined to clear up the situation when asked Tuesday whether the Vikings had any talks about trading Jackson. "I'll keep everything in-house," said Spielman, speaking in Minneapolis at the Vikings' kickoff luncheon with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. "It's all internal. But I feel very good that we have the three quarterbacks that we have on our roster. Feel that it's the strongest (group) we've had since we've been here." Jackson could have been the odd ..."

Jackson didn't lose any sleep over his status on Vikings' roster

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September 8

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"When he left the Metrodome on Friday night, Tarvaris Jackson didn't know when — or if — he would be back. The fourth-year quarterback has been rumored to be on the trading block since the Vikings added future hall of famer Brett Favre on Aug. 18, so Jackson wasn't sure about his short-term future on the eve of the final cutdown from 75 to 53 players. "I had no idea. My mind was ready for anything," Jackson said of what he was thinking after Friday's exhibition finale against the Dallas Cowboys. "With this league, you can never be too sure about anything." After months of endless questions about scenarios that were out of his control, Jackson napped Saturday as the team crafted its ..."

Tarvaris Jackson error-free in Vikings' 35-31 loss to Cowboys

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September 5

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"With the starter on the sideline, sporting a gray T-shirt that matched his stubble, the remaining three quarterbacks stepped into the spotlight in the Vikings' preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys on Friday night. All of them stood out, yet only one of them for the right reasons in a 35-31 loss to the Cowboys at the Metrodome. Tarvaris Jackson didn't do much, but he didn't have to compared to the competition. He got the start and completed just 2 of 4 passes for 42 yards. But Jackson, who has been dogged by trade rumors, led two touchdown drives, including one that ended with a 36-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jeff Dugan in the first quarter. But more important than what Jackson ..."

Vikings are trying to trade Tarvaris Jackson

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September 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings have called teams to see what they would be willing to offer in exchange for backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, according to a league source. The Vikings have four quarterbacks on their roster, which must be trimmed to 53 players by Saturday. Coach Brad Childress said recently the team possibly could keep four quarterbacks, but it seems more likely that it will trade or release one. Jackson has been the subject of trade rumors since Brett Favre arrived. However, it remains unclear which direction the Vikings will go if they are unable to trade Jackson. Jackson, who started 20 games in his first three seasons with the team, admitted he feels a sense of uncertainty about his ..."

Second-half showcase: the backup QBs

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August 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre won't be the only Vikings quarterback with plenty of eyes on him tonight in Houston. Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels also will be a focus of attention, as they are expected to split time in the second half. Jackson and Rosenfels have gone from competing for the starting job to vying for the No. 2 spot behind Favre -- or perhaps a spot on another NFL roster. Unless the Vikings go with the unusual step of keeping four quarterbacks, either Jackson, Rosenfels or John David Booty is going to be the odd man out. Favre is scheduled to play the entire first half tonight; Jackson is expected to play the third quarter and Rosenfels the fourth. The Vikings could attempt to showcase ..."

Jackson's role: Support Favre

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August 29

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Despite his uncertain future, Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is trying to avoid the distractions. Jackson said he wasn't fazed earlier this week by an ESPN report of a "schism" in the locker room, with some Vikings players supposedly favoring Jackson as the starter over Brett Favre. "I don't listen to that stuff," Jackson said Friday after practice. "We all know the decision has already been made, as far as the leader of our team, as far as the quarterback position. Everybody is pretty much behind him, and trying to support him and trying to get him caught up with everything we're trying to do around here as far as the offense goes. "There's not too much he's got to learn because ..."

Childress downplays 'schism' over QBs

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August 27

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"And here we thought the Vikings' addition of Brett Favre was supposed to dial down the potential for controversy at the quarterback position. A little more than a week after Favre ended his latest retirement, ESPN posted a story on its website Wednesday afternoon that cited a source saying there was a "schism" in the Vikings locker room over who should start at quarterback and that Favre has "little support" among his new teammates. ESPN and Pro Football Talk had issued earlier reports that some players believe Tarvaris Jackson should be the starter and the latest ESPN story said others think it should be Sage Rosenfels. "I've seen the same reports that you've seen," Vikings coach Brad ..."

Source: 'Little support' for Favre

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August 26

ESPN.com

"What two knowledgeable NFL people described earlier this week as an "issue" in the Minnesota Vikings locker room was described Wednesday by a third informed person as a "schism." The issue is quarterback Brett Favre, and the schism is the preference that certain Vikings players have for specific quarterbacks. Sources with knowledge of the Vikings locker-room dynamics say some players believe Tarvaris Jackson gives the Vikings the best chance to win, while other players believe Sage Rosenfels gives the team the best chance to win -- which is one of the new twists to this storyline. In the words of one NFL source, Favre has "little support" in the locker room as Minnesota prepares for its ..."

Vikings juggling four QBs, but for how long?

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August 25

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Any debate about who would be the Vikings' starting quarterback came to an abrupt halt when the wheels of owner Zygi Wilf's plane touched down in the Twin Cities with Brett Favre aboard last week. Favre is going to get the necessary work to prepare for the Vikings' regular-season opener Sept. 13 at Cleveland and, as such, coach Brad Childress said Favre is scheduled to play the first half of Monday's third preseason game, at Houston. Remaining is the uncertainty of what is going to happen to the three quarterbacks behind him. Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels arrived at training camp expecting to compete for the starting job, with John David Booty set to spend a second season as the No. ..."

Jackson exceptional, but still adjusting

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August 22

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre was met with cheers, Tarvaris Jackson with boos. To be fair, it's likely the fans booed Friday night at the Metrodome when Jackson came into the game because they wanted to see more of Favre, who played just seven snaps in two series. Given all Jackson went through during the week, it's amazing he played this well. He finished the night 12 of 15 for 202 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, moving the Vikings past Kansas City 17-13. He had a passer rating of 158.3, the best possible. "I'm not going to say it wasn't hard, but I just tried to stay focused on what I had to do," Jackson said. "You never really know in this league exactly what's going to take place. I ..."

Jackson -- remember him? -- shines in relief role

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August 22

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre's arrival in Minnesota this week meant Tarvaris Jackson's opportunity to win the Vikings' starting quarterback job has ended. But that didn't stop Jackson from putting together an impressive performance in relief of Favre in the Vikings' 17-13 preseason victory Friday night over Kansas City. Jackson, who played two-plus quarters after Favre left, completed 12 of 15 passes for 202 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. His 158.3 passer rating was perfect. "I just tried to stay focused," said Jackson, who had been scheduled to start Friday before Favre arrived. "I'm not going to say it wasn't hard. But I just tried to stay focused on what I had to do and stay focused on ..."

Sage Rosenfels on Vikings signing Favre: 'This wasn't what I was hoping for'

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August 19

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The Minnesota Vikings traded for Sage Rosenfels in the offseason to compete with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting quarterback job. The signing of Brett Favre today relegates the former Houston Texans quarterback to competing for the top backup spot. Rosenfels addressed the situation at Winter Park today. Following are excerpts from that interview. Q: When you found out, what was your initial reaction? A: It's something that wasn't a total shock. This has been three months, and an ongoing thing. For me, personally, this wasn't what I was hoping for. I tried to get traded here, and got traded here. But in my nine years, this is the best football team I've ever been on. We've got so much ..."

Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson bears down

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August 18

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"If Tarvaris Jackson needed a reminder that he's locked in a tough quarterback competition, he got one Friday night when Sage Rosenfels moved his team down the field at Indianapolis. Jackson will get his turn this week to work with the starters, and he has to take advantage. If he doesn't look sharp for a second consecutive game, and Rosenfels plays well again, Jackson would appear to fall further behind in the quarterback competition. Jackson is competitive and wants to play well this week. "All of us are in it for one reason: we want to win," he said Monday. "It's a competition, but he's still my teammate. It's a friendly competition. Of course I want to do well regardless of who else ..."

Rosenfels emerges as leader at quarterback in 13-3 exhibition win over Colts

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August 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings quarterback Sage Rosenfels was very good. Teammate Tarvaris Jackson? Not so much. Rosenfels took advantage of his opportunity to start Friday night at Indianapolis. His passes were crisp and accurate, and he appeared to be in command of the offense. Rosenfels played two series and led the Vikings to a touchdown and a field goal, giving them a 10-0 lead while he was on the field. The Vikings went on to win 13-3. Rosenfels completed his first seven passes and finished 10 of 13 for 91 yards. His quarterback rating was 95.4, with his longest completion a 17-yard strike to Visanthe Shiancoe on fourth down that helped set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Chester Taylor. Throughout two weeks ..."

Rosenfels states a case in Vikings preseason opener

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August 15

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Sage Rosenfels verbalized what everyone who has watched him in training camp practices this summer must have been thinking after the quarterback's performance Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium. "To be honest with you, I felt more comfortable out there than I had in training camp," Rosenfels said following the Vikings' 13-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener. "You feel better, guys are more excited to play. There are a lot of times in games that everything is actually sometimes a little bit easier. Everything is faster and quicker, but your body just reacts. I'm trying to get to the point of just knowing the offense so well that my body can just react to it." He did an ..."

Vikings Replay: Tough day for Tarvaris Jackson

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August 13

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Highlights: Sage Rosenfels' throw on an out route to Vinny Perretta resulted in a great catch by the rookie free agent, who went down low to get the ball near the sideline. Tarvaris Jackson, who took the first snap with the first-team offense, had a nice throw over the middle to Percy Harvin. Jackson might be the favorite to start Friday night, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Rosenfels get the nod. Lowlights: Jackson was intercepted by Madieu Williams moments after Antoine Winfield had an interception go through his hands. It wasn't a good day for Jackson. Rosenfels was picked off after his pass to Chester Taylor bounced off a lineman and landed in the hands of linebacker Erin ..."

Tarvaris Jackson says he's fine after another scare with his injured left knee

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August 8

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson had a scary moment Friday night. Jackson, recovering from a sprained left knee, slipped on the wet grass at Blakeslee Stadium and "felt something pop" in his knee when he dropped back to pass. "I was fine," Jackson said. "I guess I wasn't ready for that right now. But it's fine. It's not bothering me still. I just felt something pop. I think it was just a little scar tissue that's bothering me." Jackson said he will be evaluated to make sure there wasn't a setback. Jackson slipped on a pass play when defensive end Jayme Mitchell was rushing the quarterback. Jackson planted his right leg but lost his footing. He left the field walking gingerly and went ..."

Jackson tries downplaying latest knee issue

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August 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Tarvaris Jackson dropped back to pass and felt something pop in his left knee as he stepped up in the pocket. Already wearing a brace after suffering a sprained left knee early in camp, Jackson had even more cause for concern Friday night in the Vikings' full-pads practice at Blakeslee Stadium. "I felt something very uncomfortable," he said. Jackson limped to the sideline, where he was checked out by head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman. Jackson missed only one play before returning, but he overthrew wide receiver Darius Reynaud on the next play and was intercepted by safety Eric Frampton. Jackson seemed to favor his knee the rest of the practice, but he said afterward that his knee felt ..."

Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson returns to practice, says he's 'not trying to rush' his strained knee

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August 6

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"After missing 3 1/2 days of practice, Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson rejoined his teammates and participated in both sessions Wednesday. Jackson didn't appear to be bothered by his sprained left knee, dropping back and throwing passes with plenty of velocity. Though he looked rusty early in the morning session, he settled in and made some nice, sharp throws. While running with the first-stringers, which he didn't do much of during practice, Jackson zipped a pass to Bobby Wade. The pass was high, but Wade adjusted and made the catch. Afterward, Jackson said his knee felt fine. "Just not trying to rush it too fast," Jackson said. "Just trying to get back into the hang of it. I ..."

Sooner more than later, Jackson makes return to practice

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August 6

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson returned to the field Wednesday for the first time since suffering a left knee sprain and said he felt "great" after being eased into drills. Jackson appeared to experience no problems on hisbacks and showed good mobility on a rollout in the afternoon practice. Afterward, he said everything went well and that he's hoping to do more work in full team drills as soon as possible. "I felt good," he said. "Just trying to get back in the groove of it. I'm just doing what I'm told and not trying to rush it too fast." Jackson missed five full practices after suffering a Grade 1 sprain of his medial collateral ligament on Saturday. He told reporters on Tuesday ..."

Jackson says knee feels good

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August 5

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson participated in practice today for the first time since suffering a left knee sprain. Jackson was able to do most of the individual drills and afterwards said his knee felt fine. "I felt good," he said. "Just trying to get back in the groove of it. I'm just doing what I'm told and not trying to rush it too fast." Jackson said he experienced no problems moving around or setting up on his dropbacks. He reiterated that this knee injury is not as bad the one he suffered last preseason. "I think it was a lot worse last year," he said. Jackson described this one as "slight" and said overall he feels comfortable with everything right now. "Overall I feel better than ..."

Jackson says knee will be fine in time for exhibition opener

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August 5

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Tarvaris Jackson said his sprained left knee should be 100 percent by the time the Vikings open the preseason Aug. 14 in Indianapolis and that he has felt much better in recent days. But the quarterback admitted, after he tripped over defensive tackle Letroy Guion during a Saturday practice and fell to the ground, he feared the worst. "At first I thought it was bad," Jackson said. "My initial [reaction] was like, 'Please, no.' Not an ACL or anything like that. It turned out not to be as bad, so I was happy. I didn't want it to be what it is, but I kind of look at it as it could have been a lot worse ... My leg could have got caught in the ground. But it didn't and I was just happy it ..."

Jackson not certain when he'll return

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August 4

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson stayed on the field for 25 minutes after this morning's practice throwing to wide receivers but said afterward he does not know exactly when he will be able to resume practicing with his teammates. "[There's] not a certain goal but just as soon as possible," Jackson said of his return from a sprained knee. "I feel a lot better the last couple of days. I was in there [rehabbing] with [athletic trainer Eric Sugarman] just trying to do whatever they tell me to do and try to get back out here." Vikings coach Brad Childress said Jackson has been fitted with a special brace on his left knee that will give him more mobility. Jackson suffered a sprained medial ..."

Scrutiny only sure thing for Vikings' Jackson

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May 29

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Tarvaris Jackson stood before a group of kids in the lunch room at Cityview Performing Arts Magnet School this week as a large media contingent watched and waited for him off to the side. Another day, another round of difficult questions for the Vikings quarterback. In recent days Jackson has faced questions about his long-term prospects with the team, the never-ending Brett Favre speculation and pointed criticism by teammate Pat Williams about his work ethic. Perhaps that's why Jackson acted neither surprised nor angry that he found himself under the microscope again at the community outreach event this week. "This is my life right now and I love my life," Jackson said. "I love my job, ..."

Minnesota Vikings' Tarvaris Jackson surprised by Pat Williams' comments

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May 28

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said today he was a little surprised that defensive tackle Pat Williams publicly questioned his work ethic, but he's not too worried about it. Jackson feels confident in himself, and Williams' comments haven't changed that. "I feel like I'm doing what I've got to do," Jackson said. "I put the time in. Maybe I do have to put extra time in. I guess when you're not doing as well, you've got to put the extra time in. I feel like I'm working hard. I've always been a hard worker. I'm going to continue to do that." Jackson said he hasn't heard specifics from Williams, who recently said during a Sirius NFL Radio interview that Jackson has to work ..."

Tarvaris Jackson faces critique of Vikings teammate Pat Williams

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May 28

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is used to being under the microscope. But the scrutiny he has faced seems to be never ending this offseason. Jackson has had to deal with speculation that Sage Rosenfels was acquired to be the starter, that Brett Favre will be signed to be the starter, and now comes the news that Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams said Jackson needs to work harder. That's the "life of an NFL quarterback," Jackson said Wednesday. "I love my life. I love my job. I've just got to go out here and try to get better. If I play better, I won't have all these different conversations and have to answer all these questions all the time." Jackson said he was a little surprised ..."

Minnesota Vikings DT Pat Williams calls out Tarvaris Jackson, tells QB to 'put in the time'

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May 27

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams delivered a strong message to quarterback Tarvaris Jackson: Work harder. Jackson is locked in a fight for the starting quarterback job with Sage Rosenfels, and he has been put on notice by Williams, an outspoken team leader. "I talk to Tarvaris all the time (and) tell him you have to put in the time," Williams said recently on Sirius NFL Radio. "This ain't college no more. This is the NFL. You have to put in more time than you are used to putting in. If you are putting in four hours, you have to put in eight. You have to put in more time than what he's doing. I think if he puts the right time in, he will be a great quarterback in the league." ..."

The Vikings quarterback welcomes Sage Rosenfels' addition and looks forward to the challenge to keep his job

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March 13

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Tarvaris Jackson was watching television last month when he learned the Vikings had acquired quarterback Sage Rosenfels from Houston. Word had leaked out four days before the trade could be announced, eliminating the opportunity for coach Brad Childress to tell Jackson face-to-face about the deal for a veteran who will try to take his job. Jackson claims he was unfazed. "I'm still going to compete, and I'll do exactly what I normally do," he said Thursday from his home in Montgomery, Ala. "I'll do a lot better hopefully [than 2008]. I'm going to work hard. This might push me a little more but that's what competition is all about. I'm not approaching this any differently than I did last ..."

Vikings have talent to compete with best

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January 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Sid Hartman

"Brad Childress looks at the teams remaining in the NFL playoffs, and the Vikings coach believes that when his team played its best football, it could compete with any other team in the league. Looking back at the 26-14 first-round playoff loss to the Eagles, the Vikings went into the game without the best linebacker in the league in E.J. Henderson, a Pro Bowl defensive tackle in Pat Williams and a starting defensive end in Ray Edwards. Then, during the game, they lost safety Darren Sharper to injury in the first half. And despite a very average performance by quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, the Vikings stayed in contention until the fourth quarter. Give the Vikings a healthy group of ..."

Vikings receivers say they want Tarvaris Jackson as starting quarterback in 2009

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January 5

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress understandably deferred on his commitment to quarterback Tarvaris Jackson heading into the 2009 season. But three offensive veterans voiced their support of the team's young quarterback moments after the 2008 season ended. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and receivers Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade emphatically backed Jackson for the '09 campaign. Said Shiancoe: "I'm not thinking about any other quarterback in the offseason, at all. I feel like he's the man. He's proved that he can make plays." Said Berrian: "You see all the intangibles. He's got the physical tools. It's a matter of us helping him out and not leaving him out there on his own." Said Wade: "There's ..."

Vikings' future rests in a new quarterback, because Tarvaris Jackson isn't the answer

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January 5

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Bob Sansevere

"Tarvaris Jackson would, of course, like to have that pass back. That pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. That pass that was the worst of several lousy passes and showed that Jackson is not ready to be anointed the Vikings' starting quarterback for next season. "It was the right read, I felt," Jackson said. "I should have made a better throw." Yeah. No kidding. Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel looked like the intended receiver, not Sidney Rice, who was. Samuel caught the ball and hightailed it 44 yards into the end zone. This happened in the second quarter and gave the Eagles a 16-7 lead. The final score Sunday was 26-14 in this one-and-done postseason for the ..."

Jackson's fate hangs on line

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January 5

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Tarvaris Jackson said his emotions were too raw and too fresh to offer any big-picture perspective Sunday. But the Vikings quarterback's roller-coaster season ended with a dismal performance that is certain to be dissected and discussed through the offseason. Making his first postseason start, Jackson reverted to early-season form in a 26-14 loss to the Eagles in a wild-card playoff game at the Metrodome. He completed 15 of 35 passes for 164 yards with an interception returned for a touchdown and a 45.4 passer rating. As Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb looked calm and cool in the pocket, Jackson appeared skittish against the Eagles' blitzes. Jackson threw seven consecutive ..."

He's in, he's out, he's in, he's ... no longer a viable option at QB

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January 5

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Patrick Reusse

"The futility of the Vikings' passing attack in the second half was best demonstrated when they reached a final gasp with 6 1/2 minutes remaining. This was the possession that came after Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook sped 71 yards through a broken field to put his team in front 23-14. The Vikings had done nothing with four previous possessions in the half, and now they had to move the ball or concede that this season's return to the playoffs was a one-and-done proposition. Tarvaris Jackson threw a pair of incompletions against Eagles pressure and it was third-and-10 from the Minnesota 25. The Vikings had to hit something here beyond the sticks, and this is where the quarterback went with ..."

Tarvaris Jackson's son 'doing a lot better'

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December 22

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"During the Fox telecast of Sunday's game, it was mentioned that Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has been playing better since his 15-month-old son's health improved. Fox sideline reporter Laura Okmin said Jackson's son, also named Tarvaris, had a pacemaker implanted during the period Jackson was benched. Asked after the game if his son was doing better and if that coincided with an improvement in his play, Jackson said, "I guess. He is up here now, so that is good. He is doing a lot better. He has gone through a lot since he was born, but he is good now. He is a tough kid. He is doing real well, so I hope he stays like that.""

Past is history; look to the future that was Sunday

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December 22

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Jim Souhan

"Possession is nine-tenths of the law. On Sunday, it was one-tenth of the Vikings' game plan. In their 24-17 loss to Atlanta, we saw the same ol' Vikings choking away another big game. If you kept your eye on the bouncing ball, though, you might have missed the new Tarvaris Jackson grabbing hold of his future. While the same ol' Vikings were double-dribbling their way toward oblivion, the new Jackson was introducing himself to the Metrodome crowd. While the same ol' Vikings were bobbling the football as if it was coated with bleu cheese, fumbling seven -- seven! -- times, the new Jackson was putting a firm tackle on the starting quarterback job. On a day they left their playoff fate in ..."

T-Jack a forgotten QB no more

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December 21

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Admit it. You had almost forgotten about Tarvaris Jackson. The two interceptions in the penultimate game of last season, a 30-21 loss to Washington that pretty much eliminated the Vikings from the NFC playoff race. The subpar start that got him benched only two games into this season. Even the offseason hype that might have led one to believe the Vikings had found their quarterback of the future. All of it a distant memory ... until 15 days ago. That's when Jackson stepped in for the injured Gus Frerotte late in the first half at Detroit, rallied the Vikings to a 20-16 victory and threw a curveball into how the team might approach its quarterback situation. Any previous talk of Jackson had ..."

Vikings' Tarvaris Jackson will start at quarterback

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December 18

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Tarvaris Jackson will start at quarterback Sunday for the Minnesota Vikings against the Atlanta Falcons at the Metrodome, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said today, and Gus Frerotte will be the backup. "I think it's big for him," Bevell said of Jackson. "He had an opportunity that was presented to him, and he played well in the opportunity, and he showed progression, so as long as he continues do that, then that bodes well for him for his future." Jackson started the first two games this season for the Vikings, both losses, before he was benched in favor of Frerotte. But Frerotte injured his back during the Dec. 7 game against Detroit, and Jackson led the Vikings to a 20-16 comeback ..."

Jackson appears likely to start

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December 16

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress isn't ready to announce a starter just yet, but at this point it's clear that Tarvaris Jackson is headed toward another start Sunday against Atlanta. Jackson hasn't done anything to lose the job after throwing for a career-high four touchdowns at Arizona. Gus Frerotte hasn't recovered fully from a lower-back injury, and given Jackson's performance the past two weeks, there's no reason to make a switch at this point. Childress likes what he has seen from Jackson. "Well, I would say certainly in the last game and a half, he's looked extremely decisive," Childress said. "You don't see a lot of hesitancy back there. ... I just think I see a brighter-eyed, more ..."

Childress mum on starting QB

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December 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings starting quarterback Sunday will be ... Tarvaris Jackson or Gus Frerotte. Sorry, but that's as far as Vikings coach Brad Childress was willing to go Monday. "I'll certainly discuss it with those two guys before I discuss it with anyone else," Childress said. As expected, Childress was not willing to announce his starter a day after Jackson had another strong performance in relief of the injured Frerotte. Jackson threw only 17 passes Sunday, but he completed 11 for 163 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-14 victory at Arizona. Childress shared more praise for Jackson, but he indicated he's not inclined to name his starter for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons until he's ..."

Four Downs: Too little, too late Tarvaris

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December 15

CBSSports.com

columnist Dave Richard

"Nobody believed in Tarvaris Jackson before his Week 15 game at Arizona. And why should they have? In 16 career starts entering the game, Jackson had 13 passing touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He averaged 6.31 yards per attempt. He had four rushing touchdowns but five fumbles lost. Nobody believed in Tarvaris Jackson before his Week 15 game at Arizona. After he threw four touchdown passes in the game, people might reconsider. Then again, maybe not. This isn't an attempt to be on the fence, or to be a flip-flopper or to be safe, but all aspects of Jackson's game need to be considered. Let's start with the complete stat line: Four touchdowns on 11-of-17 passing for 163 yards. That's a ..."

Son's medical issue delays Frerotte's return

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October 28

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Gus Frerotte and John David Booty were the only quarterbacks on the field Monday as the Vikings returned to work after their bye week. Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson received an excused absence so he could spend time with his son, Tarvaris II, who had a medical issue, according to coach Brad Childress. Childress did not go into detail. Jackson has family ties in the Alabama and Mississippi areas and was in the South on Monday. Jackson, who started the first two games of the season before being benched in favor of Frerotte, is now the No. 2 quarterback. Players have their usual day off today and Jackson likely will be back Wednesday when the Vikings begin preparations for Sunday's game ..."

Suddenly, Jackson's future in doubt

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September 18

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The Vikings' franchise quarterback. The future. The present. Until this week, Tarvaris Jackson was all of those things. Now he's the backup after an 0-2 start. Jackson found out he lost his starting job in a meeting Tuesday morning with coach Brad Childress, who announced Wednesday that the change is official and that veteran Gus Frerotte will be the starter for the rest of the season, barring injury. The move means Jackson's long-term future with the team is unclear. Suddenly, he's gone from the young quarterback who supposedly had made substantial progress in the offseason to the guy who couldn't hold onto his job longer than the first two games of the season. Jackson repeatedly answered ..."

Jackson takes his demotion in stride

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September 18

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson didn't dodge questions about his demotion Wednesday. Jackson took responsibility for his failures, but the only thing he would not discuss is how his benching affects his long-term standing with the organization. Jackson said coach Brad Childress informed him Tuesday morning that he was making the switch to Gus Frerotte as the starter. "Obviously a little frustrated," Jackson said. "I want to play. I'm a competitor. I love to play football. This is what I do so when someone almost kind of takes it away from you, it's kind of frustrating. But I'm just going to prepare hard and be another guy on the field to try and help Gus." Jackson struggled in the ..."

Frerotte To Start vs. Panthers

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September 17

Vikings.com

"Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress announced today that Gus Frerotte will replace Tarvaris Jackson as the starting quarterback on Sunday against the Panthers. “I feel like we have an opportunity here that I don’t want to let pass by,” Coach Childress said. “Obviously we have a chance to have a successful season and I think so don’t let things potentially slip away, what we’re doing is I’m going to make a change at quarterback. I know full well that one position is not responsible and that everyone needs to step up, but I’m just not seeing right now the aggressiveness from Tarvaris that I saw throughout the offseason, training camp, the two preseason games he played in…part of it may be ..."

Childress makes switch from Jackson to Frerotte

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September 17

NFL.com

"Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress turned rumor and speculation into truth on Wednesday, making the switch at quarterback from Tarvaris Jackson to veteran Gus Frerotte. Childress indicated that the switch would not be temporary, and that Frerotte is now the starter for the Vikings."

Brad Childress not as firm in commitment to QB Jackson

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September 16

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"About 21 hours after saying he is "definitely our quarterback next week," Vikings coach Brad Childress tempered his commitment to Tarvaris Jackson as his starter Monday at Winter Park. "I'm always looking at what's giving us the best opportunity to win," Childress said, repeating one of his favorite mantras. "If it's Tarvaris, it's Tarvaris. If it's Gus Frerotte, it's Gus Frerotte. J.D. Booty, it's J.D. Booty." Childress then acknowledged his definitive statement shortly after Sunday's 18-15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts before noting that the situation is "ongoing" and punctuating his thought in classic Childress fashion: with a reference to a fairy tale from Hans Christian Andersen. ..."