Minnesota media too critical of Jackson

By Krupka  |   Thursday, September 20, 2007  |  Comments( 12 )

Minnesota Vikings
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Despite quarterback Tarvaris Jackson's four interceptions last Sunday in an overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, the sky isn't falling for the second-year Minnesota Viking.

Many believe that the Vikings' season is over. They think Minnesota can't win with Jackson under center, suggesting the team should turn to veteran QB Kelly Holcomb.

The stench of hopelessness has resonated from the Minnesota media after the team's offensive disaster that took place four days ago. The overriding theme is that Jackson is not only too raw to be a starting signal-caller, but even if his injured groin is healed enough to play Sunday, he should be benched in favor of either Holcomb or Brooks Bollinger.

However, Minnesota is still 1-1, still possesses a solid defense and an explosive running back in Adrian Peterson. The season is nowhere near over, and Jackson should continue to guide the offense.

Sure, Jackson had an awful game against Detroit. Nobody can deny that. However, one must remember that it was Jackson's fourth career start. Heading into the season, everyone should have expected games like Sunday's. There is going to be bumps along the rode -- it's inevitable when you're starting a young quarterback.

And Jackson made his fair share of mistakes, throwing some passes he shouldn't have, but fans have to hope it was a learning experience.

Instead of placing all the blame on Jackson, maybe some fingers should be pointed at his offensive line. The ground took five penalties for 35 yards, including a holding call that negated a 40-yard gain by running back Mewelde Moore. The O-line also didn't do a great job protecting Jackson, who was consistently pressured and hit by Lions defenders.

Then, there's the play-calling. On third-and-2, why were the Vikings insisting on throwing the football? When you consider that they have huge money invested in the left side of the line and spent a first-round pick on Peterson, it doesn't make much sense. Add in the fact that Peterson is averaging over 4.0 yards a carry, and it's befuddling. On the opening drive Minnesota was faced with a third-and-1 situation, and it attempted a pass that resulted in Jackson's first interception. Two other times, the Vikings elected to throw the ball on third-and-2, and both fell incomplete and led to punts.

Despite his struggles, head coach Brad Childress and Minnesota's players still believe in Jackson. The Vikings' fans should, too.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com.

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CommentsComments: 12  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
James		09:17 AM
09/20/2007
Well put! The Media in Minnesota have it out for any young black QB, I mean this is the same media who thought Brad Johnson was...
No.2
michael		11:13 AM
09/20/2007
Well said Eric Krupca. Bad games like Sunday's are going to be part of the growing pains of any young quarterback. Why on earth...
No.3
Dave		12:04 PM
09/20/2007
First off the comments about black QBs vs. white QBs need to be put back in the dark ages where they belong. If you honeslty...
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