Trading or releasing T-Jack by Friday?

[LMITOUT]

Schefter: Some Vikings still want Tarvaris Jackson under center

By MJD

Not everybody in Minnesota is so happy about Brett Favre's return that they could spray paint a goat, shave a "4" into it, and shove it in a trunk. Some people still want to shave a "7" into their goat, thank you very much.

Make no mistake, TJack still has supporters in Vikes locker room. Some players believe he gives Vikes best chance to win. Always something.

Aside from teammates who are loyal to Jackson out of friendship, I'm sure there are other guys who have seen Jackson in camp and at practice, putting in the work and the sweat just like everyone else.

I think it's only natural to have some feelings of resentment towards the new guy, who conveniently waited until after training camp to show up, was literally chauffeured in by the head coach, had the starting job and his number four just handed to him and immediately captured 100% of the media attention focused on the team.

This is a case where -- to borrow a phrase from John Madden -- winning will be a great deodorant. If Brett Favre comes in, plays well and helps the Vikings win games, all will be forgotten. Or at the very least, pushed to the back burner.

If the Vikings happen to lose three or four of their first five, though, there will be no deodorant that can handle that stench. The T-Jack loyalists will become more visible and more vocal, and then you're looking at a split locker room, which is maybe the most efficient way to submarine an entire season.

All the reason to get rid of this waste of roster space. The fairweather Viking fans will start crying they want somebody else, in this case Jackson, if Favre has a few bad plays or they lose a few games. All this will do is cause chaos and second-guessing instead of fixing the problems such as bad coaching decisions, O-line play or Favre needing his rear-end chewed for making stupid throws. If Vikes rube thinks the solution is standing there holding the clipboard they are just kidding themselves once again, looking for the easy way out.

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence for Vikings fans, but it needs to be mowed over there too.

That article outlined all the reasons why they need to dump #7, not why they should keep him.

[FISHINGURU]

great post analyser, you totally get it.

the pressure is on and you start to think to much, or doubt yourself, or even just try to hard and end up being horrible. some people step up big in them situations and some fold.

one of the things i liked hearing from favre is when he said he was just gonna go out there and make sure to do the basics without messing up like not tripping over his own feet or dropping a snap, ect,....not trying to build up the pressure...and just go play some ball.

[fishin58]

For all you guys drooling over our NEW washed up early 90's drafted QB. We just signed another one for fg, koonie,leech, wad and James. James I hope there is enough film for you only about 2 hours....but wait thats about the same as Ground Sage!!

http://www.sportspickle.com/article:130/vikings-bolster-qb-depth-by-signing-former-texas-state-star-paul-blake

[james_walleye]

James is running on ....runing on empty...I always loved that one. So you been stalking me james, how do you know I haven't watched every minute of Ground Sages career? You rant and rave about how TJ, has had every opportunity? You don't think dufus Sage hasn't been given a shot in 9 years? Get REAL!

Again you show how much you really know. Sage has never been given a shot to start. The closest he has been to having a chance was in 07' due to Schaubs injuries. And if you knew anything whatsoever about Sage you would know that after the 07' season, texan fans were crying for Sage to be their starter. Multiple teams offered 3rd rounders for Sage at that point but the texans wouldnt move on it. Only after Schaub had a stellar 08' season did the texans feel alright about dealing him.

Jackson was twice now given the keys to the cadillac and did NOTHING with it. You list the recievers Jackson has been able to throw to and you leave out Berrian and Schiancoe? And then forget to mention having the luxury of handing off to AP??? You have anything else you want to add that might take away any shred of credibility you have left...??

People can disagree with me on Sage, thats fine. But i've seen both QB's play plenty and im forming an opinion on that. I'm not trying to form an opinion on something that i know 50% of.

[james_walleye]

For all you guys drooling over our NEW washed up early 90's drafted QB. We just signed another one for fg, koonie,leech, wad and James. James I hope there is enough film for you only about 2 hours....but wait thats about the same as Ground Sage!!

http://www.sportspickle.com/article:130/vikings-bolster-qb-depth-by-signing-former-texas-state-star-paul-blake

Isnt 2 hours better than the 2 plays that Jackson has on his highlight reel?

What is this...about post 50 of yours on this thread? A thread in which is debating Jackson and another QB in which you've never watched? Nothing you post on this subject holds any water. It has absolutely zero creedance. At least Pier has watched something of Sage, a guy can at least respect his opinion.

Like I just heard on KFAN, why doesnt someone show the 3 guys in the lockerroom that are backing Jackson the tape of the eagles playoff game, then you'll get a good refreshing on why you don't want him leading a playoff caliber team into a season.

[PerchJerker]

Again you show how much you really know. Sage has never been given a shot to start.

[james_walleye]

Originally Posted By: james_walleye

Again you show how much you really know. Sage has never been given a shot to start.

Apparently he has also never outplayed the other quarterbacks and EARNED the right to start.

Originally Posted By: james_walleye

And if you knew anything whatsoever you would know that after the 07' season, texan fans were crying for Sage to be their starter.

Fans crying for the backup quarterback to start ---- WOW that NEVER happens, Sage must be outstanding indeed

Originally Posted By: james_walleye

You list the recievers Jackson has been able to throw to and you leave out Berrian and Schiancoe?

I realize you've been busy breaking down all that NFL game film, but don't forget that Berrian wasn't here in 2007.... and that in 2007 Shiancoe dropped MANY, MANY, MANY catchable balls, including touchdowns ---- same problem with BAD drops in for the first couple games of 2008 when T-Jack started. Fans were calling for Shiancoe to be benched or cut, even P.A. said on record numerous times that Shiancoe should not be playing. It wasn't until part-way through last season, after T-Jack got benched, that Shiancoe started to look like a decent tight-end. So don't hold that against T-Jack --- Berrian wasn't even on the team for half of T-Jack's starts, and Shiancoe did a lot more harm than good in most of T-Jack's starts.

My only point is that I just don't think you automatically give the job to Sage and/or cut T-Jack at this point --- you've invested some games in him including a playoff game, and he seems to be playing better all the time. Why get rid of him now unless Sage is clearly better .... and there is nothing (yet) to show that he is????

The reason for the fans outcry after 07' was because he DID outplay Schaub, not because Schaub simply stunk it up. The offense worked much better when Sage was behind center.

If i remember right, most of the junk recievers he listed were not on the team last year, so they've only played half of Jacksons snaps as well. If your going to list the recievers Jackson has had to work with, you list them all. You don't just list the recievers that work for your arguement, and you don't leave out who he has handed the ball off to. Hes been trying to throw against 8 and 9 man fronts for 2 years now and hasnt been anywhere near consistent much less doing well against it. Thats vintage fishin58, he only knows half the story, and now he only lists half the story as well.

[PerchJerker]

Hes been trying to throw against 8 and 9 man fronts for 2 years now and hasnt been anywhere near consistent much less doing well against it.

I'm not saying that T-Jack is a good NFL quarterback..... but you're ignoring or distorting the fact that when he came back at the end of last season he played well (or really well) in most of his games.

Sage is no more proven than T-Jack is.

[Jarrod32]

Favre has been annointed the starter...but T-Jack and Sage still have to battle for the #2 spot, and it will be important, because I don't think there is any way that Favre's shoulder makes it through the season. I think we will see the Favre of the second half of last year with the Jets.

[koonie]

Originally Posted By: koonie

FG and JW are misguided? Pot meet kettle.

I'm sorry I forgot you koonie.

I've just been watching and laughing.

I don't really have any faith in TJack. Sage either really. Favre. I'm not sure what to think yet. I just want us to win. I would love to see us have a long term quarterback solution. I don't think that solution is on our roster.

At this point I think TJack would be better off playing for someone else. I can't see him playing with a whole lot of confidence with the way the situation has been handled, not only this year, but last year as well. Although he looked good last week.

Just win. Win ugly. Win pretty. I don't care! Just win it all!

There is no sense arguing who's better because it doesn't matter what we think and nobody is going to sway anybody else s opinion.

[fishin58]

Good post Perchjerker, like when I posted about the early years the wideouts the vikes put on the field were pathetic, Joe Montana would have had a tough time having a good year.

james, stay out of my windows, I have watched most of sages games. There is nothing more then a glimmer of hope. You say he hasnt been given a shot, then why is he in the NFL? You don't think he is watched while he practices and how he reacts in games? I guess the coaches he has must not watch film......"The big eye in the sky don't lie" That is what my college football coach always said. And the BEST players WILL play.

[FISHINGURU]

the best players don't always get to play when the team they are on just paid a monster contract to another player that they think is their franchise player.

kinda like how you think junkson is the best qb on the team yet he stands no chance to beat out favre because of the 12 mill we just dropped on him along with the merchandise and ticket sales that go along with it.

[zepman]

Not necessarily. By all reports, Sage had played good enough in Houston to potentially earn a starting job. Houstons way of dealing with a q-back controversy was to simply, and finally, agree to send Sage to the Vikes. No more controversy. Since Schaub was given the huge contract, there was no way Sage was going to get the starting gig...period.

TJack may find himself being traded away for this same exact reason.

[fishin58]

so everyone and there goat says or thinks we are going to beat cleveland. Say Bert throws 4 picks and we lose. Will it still be all honky dory?

(Please leave the Green/gold #4 sacrificial goat out of this)

[Wadinator]

If I had my way, we'd keep both Sage and Tjack, and try to slide Booty to the practice squad. (If somebody picks him up, so what?)

For the time we have invested in Tjack over the past couple of years, I (hate to admit this, but..) really don't want to see him go anywhere. He has shown glimpses of his potential. *Maybe* with another dozen games under his belt he'll turn into a consistent player. Then again, maybe not.

Whether he's 2nd or 3rd string this year, I don't care. Whether or not he beats out Sage next year for the starting job, (at this point) I don't care. However, what bothers me is the time we have invested in this kid will all be wasted if we trade him now. We put the work into him, we should reap the rewards (if there ever are any). Hopefully he'll settle for a reasonable contract next year.

[fishin58]

Glad you are coming around wad, Bert must have borrowed his smelling salts to ya

http://blogs.usatoday.com/thehuddle/

Simms: Vikings would win as many with T-Jack as with Brett Favre

NEW YORK -- Former NFL QB Phil Simms said Tuesday that the Vikings' long offseason pursuit of Brett Favre may turn out to be fruitless.

"I think the Vikings would have had just as good a record with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback as they will with Brett Favre," Simms, now a CBS analyst, said at the network's preseason media briefing.

"A lot of people underplay Jackson," Simms said. "He played very well down the end of the season last year." Jackson, ousted as Vikings starter after an 0-2 start last year, returned to the role and led the team to a 2-2 finish (while throwing just one interception) that clinched the NFL North title.

Simms said he thinks the drama of adding a three-time MVP in Favre enticed the Vikings as it did the Jets last year. But he argued it wasn't necessarily the smartest move for either franchise.

"I kind of thought the same thing last year," he said. "You bring in a Brett Favre to the Jets because you're looking to win the playoff game. But when you look at the regular season, if the Jets (who finished 9-7) would have kept Chad Pennington I believe they would have won 10 games. But what good would that have done? Nothing. The people in New York and the press will never get over the hump unless we get another quarterback.

"But I just think Minnesota is a very talented team. And with the running back, Adrian Peterson, I believe Tarvaris Jackson was the quarterback who fits perfectly with that. Dynamic arm. Can run around and showed -- he's a young guy, that he was progressing at the end of last year."

I guess the HOF'er needs to study more film.

[PierBridge]

Favre has been annointed the starter...but T-Jack and Sage still have to battle for the #2 spot, and it will be important, because I don't think there is any way that Favre's shoulder makes it through the season. I think we will see the Favre of the second half of last year with the Jets.

Good point and to be honest I don't think we can blame all Favres poor play at the end of the last 4 seasons on his shoulder. So yes Jackson, Sage or Booty may have to step up. Lets hope they can do the job when called upon.

I can't say I have ever been this excited about a pre-season game as I am about this coming Monday nights game!

Go Vikings!

[Wadinator]

Glad you are coming around wad, Bert must have borrowed his smelling salts to ya

http://blogs.usatoday.com/thehuddle/

Simms: Vikings would win as many with T-Jack as with Brett Favre

NEW YORK -- Former NFL QB Phil Simms said Tuesday that the Vikings' long offseason pursuit of Brett Favre may turn out to be fruitless.

"I think the Vikings would have had just as good a record with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback as they will with Brett Favre," Simms, now a CBS analyst, said at the network's preseason media briefing....

Anything written by the media that starts with the two words "I think" should be considered total fiction.

Sports media is degrading into a intellectual category all its own, somewhere between afternoon soap operas and the gossip medias like the "Enquirer" magazine that sit in the checkout isle at the grocery store.

It would be nice if just one reporter would show some pride in their profession and JUST REPORT THE FACTS. Yeah, it'd be boring, but I'm sure they would have a (small but) loyal fan base!

[Shack]

Yep Wadinator, I feel the same about T-Jack. It is one thing to cut your loses, but it is another to just give away something.

Also the media thing seems to have more of an influence on what the public thinks, even when total speculation. Look at the Cris Carter and the Vike's playbook comments last week

LIMTOUT did put in a good twist though. If there is one thing I am on the side of, it is keeping things positive and as orderly as they can in the locker room. A divided locker room seems to be the norm for the Vike's the last couple years. I think is spells out failure on field in the end.

Like Pier said, Monday's game should be a good one for helping this debate on second string. Maybe the TJ deal also. The chances of Favre being here 2 seasons are slim to none and this game might predict who will start next year.

Boy, is football going or what Sucks though. Means summer is over

[james_walleye]

Not necessarily. By all reports, Sage had played good enough in Houston to potentially earn a starting job. Houstons way of dealing with a q-back controversy was to simply, and finally, agree to send Sage to the Vikes. No more controversy. Since Schaub was given the huge contract, there was no way Sage was going to get the starting gig...period.

TJack may find himself being traded away for this same exact reason.

Exactly....im pretty sure college coaches don't have to figure in who has the mega contract when deciding on a QB starter....

[james_walleye]

Glad you are coming around wad, Bert must have borrowed his smelling salts to ya

http://blogs.usatoday.com/thehuddle/

Simms: Vikings would win as many with T-Jack as with Brett Favre

NEW YORK -- Former NFL QB Phil Simms said Tuesday that the Vikings' long offseason pursuit of Brett Favre may turn out to be fruitless.

"I think the Vikings would have had just as good a record with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback as they will with Brett Favre," Simms, now a CBS analyst, said at the network's preseason media briefing.

"A lot of people underplay Jackson," Simms said. "He played very well down the end of the season last year." Jackson, ousted as Vikings starter after an 0-2 start last year, returned to the role and led the team to a 2-2 finish (while throwing just one interception) that clinched the NFL North title.

Simms said he thinks the drama of adding a three-time MVP in Favre enticed the Vikings as it did the Jets last year. But he argued it wasn't necessarily the smartest move for either franchise.

"I kind of thought the same thing last year," he said. "You bring in a Brett Favre to the Jets because you're looking to win the playoff game. But when you look at the regular season, if the Jets (who finished 9-7) would have kept Chad Pennington I believe they would have won 10 games. But what good would that have done? Nothing. The people in New York and the press will never get over the hump unless we get another quarterback.

"But I just think Minnesota is a very talented team. And with the running back, Adrian Peterson, I believe Tarvaris Jackson was the quarterback who fits perfectly with that. Dynamic arm. Can run around and showed -- he's a young guy, that he was progressing at the end of last year."

I guess the HOF'er needs to study more film.

For every 1 Phil Simms there are how many former players who feel just the opposite? Chris Carter, as mad as he was about how it went down, agreed that Favre most definately gives the purple a better shot at the big prize. This is the sentiment of most people by far. I mean, that magic combo of Jacksons dynamic arm and athleticism sure lent itself well in the playoffs last year. Progressing? Sure, but this isnt a 6-10 team that has time to wait around to see if he can finally be a decent QB. He may be progressing, but that doesnt mean he'll ever get there. He is not ready to lead a team into a deep playoff run, plain and simple.

[FISHINGURU]

would you guys rather get possibly a 5th or 6th round pick for tjunk or would you just rather him leave at the end of the season and we get nothing for him? junkson is gonna be lookin to get paid.

i don't see how monday nights game is gonna say anything about the 2nd string qb....favre is gonna play a half and the other 3 get to split a half amongst themselves.

[zepman]

If the move is to just get rid of him, I think the Vikes should keep TJack. He will prove to be a valuable commodity down the road. There is no way you can replace his experience within this system with a 5th/6th round pick. I still look for the Vikes to trade him and a pick for an experienced right tackle before the regular season starts.

[Wadinator]

If you guys haven't seen this yet, it's good for a laugh...

[Jiggin4eyes62]

Originally Posted By: james_walleye

A 9th year QB traded to a team for a 4th round pick. QB number two is 5 years younger and has a trade value of maybe a 6th or 7th rounder according to the general consensus. Speaks volumes about what the NFL thinks of the 2 QB's doesn't it?

It's all about the timing of the trades. No team wants to trade for a starting QB at this time. A 4th round pick for Sage isn't exactly a ringing endorsement. Might want to think that one through a bit further.

Who is saying that the Vikings are trading a "Starting" QB. I don't believe I would start him on a high school team.