Gus Frerotte Thinks Very Highly of Tarvaris Jackson, Some Fans Still Skeptical

I have no idea if Vikings backup Gus Frerotte is just being diplomatic, but whatever, this is good to hear if you're concerned about the team's postseason chances because of the uncertainty at the quarterback position. And you know who I'm talking about.

"Great athlete, good arm. Obviously knows the system. I like watching him play," Frerotte said. "I think people have said things in the past about him but I think you're going to see a different guy this year. Just from what I've seen, he's improved a lot. I think the way he's playing now in these OTAs, it's going to be interesting to see in minicamp and especially when we get to training camp how he's progressed over his time and in the NFL."

Frerotte was signed to mentor Tarvaris Jackson (as much as players do such things), not to actually compete for playing time. Which means that if Frerotte's under center at any point this season for non-injury-related reasons, something went horribly wrong.

For now, though, things seems to be coming together for Jackson. Last month, former Vikings quarterback Rich Gannon couldn't say enough about Jackson's progress, and despite some speculation that John David Booty might be the next late-round wonder, Jackson's not looking over his shoulder.

Frerotte says he'll harp on Jackson to work more from the pocket -- a problem for most young quarterbacks -- something he tried to do with Daunte Culpepper during his first stint with the team during the 2003-04 seasons. I'm guessing head coach Brad Childress would settle for something less than Culpepper in his prime, but obviously a lot more than what we saw from Jackson last season.