SI's Bucky Brooks - QB questions clearing up

**Zeus** · 08-23-2007, 03:25 PM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/bucky_brooks/08/23/qb.look/index.html?eref=si_nfl

QB questions clearing up
Bucky Brooks - Scout's View
Analysis of Croyle, Quinn, Clemens, Jackson and more
Posted: Thursday August 23, 2007 12:30PM; Updated: Thursday August 23, 2007 1:56PM

Vikings fans shouldn't worry about Tarvaris Jackson.

There has been a lot of speculation regarding the Vikings' quarterback position, but I think Jackson will be fine as the starter. He's a talented athlete with a strong arm and great physical tools, and he'll benefit from Brad Childress' emphasis on a running game featuring the talents of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Defenses will use eight-man fronts to stop the run, daring Jackson to beat them with his arm. Don't be surprised if he does, because he has made tremendous strides as a passer during the offseason. He no longer looks tentative and unsure of his reads in the pocket, and has done a good job of patiently letting the system determine where the ball should go on every play.

=Z=

**C Mac D** · 08-23-2007, 03:31 PM

Nice.... good read Zeus

**ItalianStallion** · 08-23-2007, 03:35 PM

They only knock I've heard regarding Tarvaris this offseason is that he's still having trouble with blitzes (not that a lot of veterans don't...)

**Zeus** · 08-23-2007, 03:38 PM

"ItalianStallion" wrote:

They only knock I've heard regarding Tarvaris this offseason is that he's still having trouble with blitzes (not that a lot of veterans don't...)

Defenses will try with all their might to confuse Jackson - and that's fine.
It comes with the territory.
What he needs to make sure he does is protect the rock when he is confused - don't force things and make turnovers.
A punt is better than a pick.

=Z=

**cajunvike** · 08-23-2007, 03:38 PM

YESSSSSSS!!!!

**Prophet** · 08-23-2007, 03:39 PM

Based on the limited view we have had of him at the end of last season and in the fake games this year it appears he has come a long way.
He still has a long way to go, but, based on his comments and the comments of the coaches it appears that he has a good attitude.
Will be fun to watch him progress, I will have extra beers on hand for the games this season.
I expect a lot of ups and downs.

**Marrdro** · 08-23-2007, 04:15 PM

Nice read Z.
More good press.
I'm luvin it.
;D

I also like to bring this one up just to remind everyone.......

Kindof wish it would have worked out with Clemens, glad we didn't get Cutler and am extremely happy with TJ.

http://www.purplepride.org/forums/in...8270#msg608270

Of course we forget all about how the draft unfolded and why we picked TJ when we did.

Here is how they were ranked and were they went.

Quarterbacks
1. Matt Leinart (USC) 10. Arizona

2. Vince Young (Texas) 3. Tennessee
3. Jay Cutler (Vanderbilt) 11. Denver (from St. Louis)
4. Kellen Clemens (Oregon) (49) N.Y. Jets (from Dallas)
5. Brodie Croyle (Alabama) (85) Kansas City
6. Omar Jacobs (Bowling Green) (164) Pittsburgh
7. Charlie Whitehurst (Clemson) (81) San Diego
8. Drew Olson (UCLA) Not Drafted
9. Tarvaris Jackson (Alabama State) 32. (64) Minnesota (from Pittsburgh)
10. Michael Robinson* (Penn State) (100) San Francisco
11. Reggie McNeal (Texas A&M) (193) Cincinnati
12. Darrell Hackney (UAB) Not Drafted
13. Bruce Gradkowski (Toledo) (194) Tampa Bay (from New York Giants)
14,. Travis Lulay (Montana State) Not Drafted
15. Paul Pinegar (Fresno State) Not Drafted
16. Brett Basanez (Northwestern) Not Drafted
17. D.J. Shockley (Georgia) (223) Atlanta
18. Erik Meyer (Eastern Washington) Not Drafted
19. Josh Betts (Miami of Ohio) Not Drafted
20. Brad Smith* (Missouri) (103) New York Jets
Ingle Martin, QB Furman Not Ranked (148) Green Bay (from Atlanta)

If memory servers we:

a.
Tried to move up for Cutler.
Cost to much
b.
Targeted Clemens,
OOPS, NYJ took him.
c.
We still needed a QB.

Who then fit the system the best?

Brodie Croyle (Alabama) (85) Kansas City

Omar Jacobs (Bowling Green) (164) Pittsburgh
Charlie Whitehurst (Clemson) (81) San Diego
Drew Olson (UCLA) Not Drafted

Come on.
Gimme a break.
Was he really that big of a reach considering how it all played out?

As for saving face, again, because of the scenario and how it all went down, I don't think anyone is saving face by not selecting a Franchise QB (Quinn) if he falls to us at 7.

I for one am confident he can and will play well this year.
I am not, however, so blinded by the fact that we picked him a bit early to think we won't pick another.......

**COJOMAY** · 08-23-2007, 04:27 PM

I'm not ashamed to admit I was a big Omar Jacobs fan. Boy was I glad I was wrong!
;D

**V-Unit** · 08-23-2007, 04:57 PM

"Marrdro" wrote:

Nice read Z.
More good press.
I'm luvin it.

;D

I also like to bring this one up just to remind everyone.......

Kindof wish it would have worked out with Clemens, glad we didn't get Cutler and am extremely happy with TJ.

BLASPHEMY!

**carta4eva** · 08-23-2007, 04:59 PM

"COJOMAY" wrote:

I'm not ashamed to admit I was a big Omar Jacobs fan. Boy was I glad I was wrong!
;D

I can relate, when we moved up I was like we picked this dIIA qb over gold like jacobs... my face has been red ever since even when watching the preseason game vs Pittsburgh last year when Tjack vastly outperformed mr. jacobs