The Maturation of Tarvaris Jackson: Minnesota Vikings QB Struggles on MNF

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Tarvaris Jackson is living every quarterback’s dream. Because of the Minnesota Vikings’ superior running game (Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor) and every opponent’s refusal to get beat by it, TJack is seeing a lot of single safety, cover three defensive looks that should allow him to flourish in the passing game. Cover 3 schemes are susceptible to short, timed passes and should be relatively easy to diagnose. Should be. In a 20-13 MNF win against the Chicago Bears last night, Tarvaris proved he still has a lot to learn, making some poor decisions and throwing three INTs (although one really wasn’t his fault).

After four straight outstanding games with a completion percentage over 70 (all Viking wins, by the way), I feel Tarvaris took a step backward in this one. But thanks to one of the NFL’s best defenses, the Vikings managed to increase their win streak to five games, beating the Bears 20-13, thus keeping their own playoff hopes alive and eliminating Chicago, Arizona, Philadelphia and Detroit from the NFC Wild Card picture.

I’ve been preaching for Tarvaris to “manage the game” better. I’ve said he needs to be smarter with the football. The Minnesota Vikings simply can’t afford turnovers at the quarterback position (what team can?) if they plan to get into and advance through the NFC playoffs. Tarvaris needs to be making 15-20 throws a game max, not 29 like he did last night. That being said, when defenses put eight players “in the box” and commit to stopping the Vikings’ lethal running game, Tarvaris needs to be able to make the throws that are being presented to him. If the Vikes are forced into throwing more, TJack needs to make better decisions. And here’s a thought. Tarvaris could run the football more. There are all kinds of opportunities for him to get out of the pocket and pick up yards with his legs. Last night he had seven carries for 25 yards but he just as easily could’ve had 14 for 50. I realize you don’t want him wandering around out in the open field, but picking up even a few yards and then sliding down is better than heaving throws into double coverage.

So, what’s my point? Tarvaris Jackson will hopefully learn from this game. He’s still very young and is processing new information each game. I’m not trying to beat up on the kid. But he needs to make better decisions if the Vikings are going anywhere this season. He has all the ability in the world plus tremendous young talent surrounding him. The quality of his play will determine how long Minnesota’s season lasts.