Tarvaris Jackson was asked by Sports Headliners earlier this week if he expects major improvement in his performance next season. “Exactly,” he replied.
The Vikings’ quarterback finished two weeks of OTA’s with his teammates earlier this week. The Organized Training Activities allowed the Vikings and outsiders to make some observations. Among those with an optimistic outlook is Jackson who was asked if he’s ready for a big year. He replied with a team answer. “The team, we’re just ready for a big year,” he said. “…Just go out there and show that we can do it.”
Whether the Vikings keep company this fall with the NFL’s best teams after finishing 8-8 last season and missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season depends on many elements but vital among them is Jackson. After two seasons of highs and lows, Jackson knows he must be more consistent.
That word, consistency, represents a goal for the 25-year-old quarterback who started 12 games last year, throwing 12 interceptions and nine touchdown passes. Jackson said he thinks about being consistent in practices, games and the playoffs. Each week he wants to be “accurate with the football” and make good decisions.
Experience makes Jackson believe he’s more confident and ready for this season. He said he’s better now than the last game of the 2007 season and that his comfort level with being an NFL quarterback is “night and day” improved from 12 months ago.
Jackson’s knowledge and confidence now allows him to help others. “I am not just thinking about, well, I gotta do this, I gotta do this,” he said. “I am thinking about trying to give the offensive linemen tips in the huddle. Trying to give wide receivers tips. …”
The Vikings added 36-year-old backup quarterback Gus Frerotte to the roster in the off-season. His presence presumably will assist Jackson’s development, too. “He’s helped me a lot,” Jackson said. “Just watching him out here on the field. The way he thinks about things. …”
The process for Jackson continues in several days when the team’s mini-camp for veterans takes place June 6-8 at Winter Park.