Former Vikings defensive end Bob Lurtsema told Sports Headliners coach Brad Childress “loves” Tarvaris Jackson but Sage Rosenfels is the better quarterback for the team to retain.
There’s speculation during training camp the Vikings may trade Rosenfels in a move that will allow the club to make rookie Joe Webb the No. 3 quarterback. Jackson is projected at No. 2 behind Brett Favre, with possibly Rosenfels No. 3.
Rosenfels, 32, played most of last Saturday night’s preseason game against the Rams. He completed 23 of 34 passes for three touchdowns in a 28-7 win.
Lurtsema is a passionate observer of the Vikings, attending practices and games. When asked last week if he would keep Rosenfels over Jackson, he answered “absolutely.”
“…He throws the ball better than Tarvaris,” Lurtsema said. “I watch the different drills (without coverage). …You’ll find that Sage more than ‘T-Jack’ will throw a pass that allows the receiver to continue. In other words, they don’t have to slow down. They don’t have to come back for the pass. They don’t have to reach down.”
Lurtsema said Jackson “doesn’t read his receivers as fast” as Rosenfels. A gifted quarterback must see the field, situation and 21 other players with precision.
“Brett Favre goes bingo,” Lurtsema said. “ ‘T-Jack’ goes uh. It’s a God given talent to comprehend everything.”
Childress and the other Vikings decision makers saw a raw talent when they drafted Jackson in the second round in 2006 from small school Alabama State. His NFL career results have been mixed but at 27 and so much time invested it appears the Vikings may still see Jackson as the team’s successor to Favre.
Lurtsema said Favre’s motivation for playing a 20th pro season at almost age 41 is about the quarterback legend’s passion for football, not money. “He loves the game,” Lurtsema said. “Every Friday he’s like a kid in the candy store. He can’t wait for the game.”