When you run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense, you’re supposed to win football games. It’s a tried-and-true recipe for success in the National Football League. The Minnesota Vikings have been very good at both over the past couple seasons, but their record would not indicate that. After this afternoon’s heartbreaking 18-15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts to start this 2008 season 0-2, Vikings fans are exasperated. And the team isn’t very happy, either. So what’s the problem? Let’s spread the blame around:

• Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has not developed into the player the Vikings had hoped he would. The team traded up to get him in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft and thus far — uggh. Head coach Brad Childress keeps preaching progress (progress that has not been very evident to me) with Tarvaris. I used to think he had unlimited potential, but I’m beginning to wonder if his days as an NFL quarterback are numbered.
• Maybe Tarvaris should complain to offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and coach Childress that they aren’t putting him in the best position to succeed. The team is calling plays like they don’t have any confidence in their quarterback. And they don’t. It’s no big secret. The Vikings are completely one-dimensional. Against the Colts, Adrian Peterson ran the ball 29 times. While he’s certainly built to handle that kind of workload at this stage of his career, teams will eventually load up the box to stop the run knowing full well the Vikings can’t beat anyone through the air.
• Dropped passes (especially in the endzone) don’t help matters. Whether it’s Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice or Visanthe Shiancoe, throwing and catching are the basics the Vikings haven’t mastered yet. Tarvaris isn’t always on the money. When he is, his receivers need to receive.

Here’s a wild idea. Jeff Garcia is on the hot seat in Tampa (even if Bucs head coach Jon Gruden says otherwise). I think the Vikings should cut their losses with Tarvaris, salvage what’s left of this season before it’s too late and trade a low round Draft pick for a guy they know can run their West Coast system. One could just argue for backup Gus Frerotte. But Jeff Garcia could be the guy. Maybe Tarvaris and the Vikes will somehow find a way to successfully coexist. But is it worth sacrificing more games or maybe another season for?

Source: NFL.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Feeling Minnesota: Who’s to Blame?

The Green Bay Packers have filed tampering charges with the league office against the Minnesota Vikings for alleged communication with Brett Favre. You know Brett’s story. Technically, he’s still a member of the Green Bay Packers, so that would prohibit the Vikings from talking with him about employment in purple. The allegation is that Brett has had “inappropriate dialogue” with Minnesota offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, Brett’s good friend and former assistant coach in Green Bay. I’d be willing to bet it happened, but how the Packers plan to prove it is beyond me. I’ll look forward to the league’s decision after both Brett and Darrell deny any wrongdoing.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Packers Hit Vikings With Tampering Charges

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

As Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson prepares for his second full season as a starter, it’s obvious he is showing improvement. According to Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell at the team’s minicamp today:

“I think he’s better in every area from this time last year to where he is now. He’s made great improvements, and that’s a credit to him and how hard he’s wanted to work to get better.”

The Vikings have given Tarvaris some help with the addition of wide receiver Bernard Berrian, but that’s about it. TJack will have to greatly improve his numbers if the Vikings are going anywhere near the playoffs this season. Last year, he threw for 1,911 yards with nine touchdowns and 12 interceptions — hardly worthy stats for a starting quarterback in the National Football League. I’ve never doubted his talent, but I have questioned his decision-making. Hence more INTs than TDs. Make no mistake, though — a powerful offensive line and the all-world play of running back Adrian Peterson kept Minnesota competitive in 2007. Of course, it was the Vikings’ defense that kept them in most of their games. Now the offense will have to step up and carry their share of the load. And that responsibility ultimately falls on Tarvaris Jackson.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Tarvaris Jackson Showing Improvement