Too little, too late for Vikings

By Krupka  |   Tuesday, December 19, 2006  |  Comments( 5 )

Minnesota Vikings
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For the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday's performance resembled the Herbert Hoover presidency, "Too little, too late." Fortunately for Vikings fans, there will be no great depression thanks to rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

The second-round pick saw his most extensive playing time of the season, entering the game to a standing ovation with 22 seconds remaining in the third quarter, relieving beleaguered veteran Brad Johnson.

Jackson sparked a Vikings offense that had been stagnant all day. On his first play he connected with receiver Troy Williamson for a 13-yard gain. Three plays later on a third down, he threw a perfect pass that dropped right in the hands of Williamson 40 yards down the field with a defender all over him. Of course, the second-year wideout was unable to haul in the pass, like so many others he's dropped this season.

Then on the signal caller's second drive, with a Jets defender draped all over him, he found running back Mewelde Moore on a screen pass. Moore did the rest, galloping to the end zone for a 35-yard score.

Jackson led the Vikings down the field one more time, before being intercepted on a slant route in the end zone by Jets corner David Barrett.

Overall, everyone had to be impressed with the young quarterback. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 177 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Jackson also scrambled three times for 20 yards.

Head coach Brad Childress has named Jackson his starter for Thursday's game against the rival Green Bay Packers. The biggest mistake Childress made Sunday was not going with the rookie sooner. By giving him the start Thursday, the development can continue, because the Brad Johnson era is just about over--for the second time.

Sunday was a glimpse into the future of what the mobile, strong-armed QB can do leading the offense. It's now time for the Jackson era to reign supreme.

Eric Krupka is a senior writer for RealFootball365.com. He can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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CommentsComments: 5  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Mike Richter		10:15 AM
12/19/2006
Lets get realistic here.I have been a Vikings fan for over thirty years and have seen every QB that has ever started here since...
No.2
michael		11:07 AM
12/19/2006
This past Sunday, Tarvaris Jackson definitely added a much needed spark to the offense, and it is indeed his time to start. I...
No.3
Archangel		07:34 PM
12/19/2006
Two points: Yes, Jackson probably is the real deal. But we don't really know that. Secondly, Mewelde is a very talented back, no...
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