The Vikings Must Have a Lot of Confidence in Tarvaris Jackson

Generally, the idea is to get better in the off-season. It doesn't always happen, of course -- salary-cap constraints, seller's free-agency market, poor front-office decisions -- but it's something to strive for.

The Vikings have taken strides to be more competitive in 2008 -- Bernard Berrian and Madieu Williams are the two most obvious examples -- but there's still some trepidation about the quarterback position. Tarvaris Jackson is penciled in as the starter but his career to date can best be described as inconsistent.

Ideally, Minnesota would be able to work a deal for a solid veteran back-up, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. Sage Rosenfels was apparently the front-runner, but the Texans, in no uncertain terms, ain't interested.

Logically, the Vikings are turning to, well, just keep reading:

With the Houston Texans apparently intent on keeping QB Sage Rosenfels, indications are strong this morning that the Vikings are nearing an agreement with free agent QB Gus Frerotte.

Oh, yeah, feel the Gus-mentum. Or something equally as lame. It's hard to say just how bad Frerotte is because he played on a hapless Rams team last year, but according to Football Outsiders, he finished 46th among 49 quarterbacks in terms of value per play (Jackson was 35th).

Maybe Frerotte would be marginally better behind Minnesota's offensive line, but here's the question: is he any better than Brooks Bollinger? If not, why even sign him?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-01-2008 @ 10:20PM

DB Ballantine said...

Alright Vikings, Thats it. I`m not content to have another season with no passing game. (apparently Childress is) That being said I might be willing to take a leave of absence from my job and step in as the Viking starting QB. I guarantee I will be an upgrade from Tarvarian Jackson but I wont come cheap. I am D.B. Ballantine, to all other clubs, I make this sacrifice for the Minnesota Vikings ONLY.

4-01-2008 @ 11:06PM

George B Vieto said...

Tavaris Jackson is the Vikings quarterback. Might as well die with your boots on.

4-01-2008 @ 11:34PM

RobT said...

Come on...Gus is the best we can do. Tjack is not going to get it done and neither is Gus or Bowling Ball. Daunte or Lefty would have been better selections.

They should have sold the farm and hooked up Donovan McNabb for a two year run.

With the #17 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Minnesota Vikings select...Chad Henne of Michigan.
Selecting a DE will be a waste, see UDEZ and Raspy J
He will be a star in the NFL.

4-02-2008 @ 12:59AM

I have a rocket arm and killer pocket poise. I am D.B. Ballantine, new Viking starting quarteback. If I can beat out Ryan Leaf, Childress is bringin him in.

4-02-2008 @ 11:20AM

jokendaved said...

Just Came over the wire!!!!!
Vikings sign Gus to multi-year deal....
What are they thinking. Except Adrian and chester will carry the team this season.....

Just came over the wire!!!!!
Vikings sign Gus F. to multi-year deal..
What are they thinking except that AD and Chester are going to carry the team this year......

4-02-2008 @ 12:33PM

Had to repeat myself. Could'nt beleive I said it. But its true Gus is back. Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!

4-02-2008 @ 6:02PM

philip said...

after the good signings of free agents they do this r u kiding gus to the rescue

4-02-2008 @ 7:21PM

fredd said...

Donovan is not the answer. Neither is Tavaris, but if they don't fix the defense they aren't going anywhere anyway. They really need to fix the offensive line too, so what to do???? These guys are at least a year away fom any serious contention anyway. Lest we all forget, defense wins championships. Ask the Giants.

4-03-2008 @ 2:18PM

Rich Friday said...

Chill out! (No, I'm not making reference to the head coach.) I once saw a young quarterback who in his first season only threw passes into his opponents arms, and that kid didn't turn out so bad. (His last name's Favre.) Gus is better than Holcomb. Now, the Vikes can focus on getting linemen in the draft. With nine picks, there's a lot of shopping to be done. Quarterbacks are grown, not bought off the shelf. QB takes the most time to learn. Forget any idea of passing the hat around to buy Brady or Peyton. You won't get such guys at gunpoint. Direct your pent up anger at the Minnesota legislature. They're probably working on having the U do another bridge study while the Vikings leave us forver.