Gus Frerotte is direct in conversations with his fellow quarterbacks. Frerotte, 36, has 14 more years of NFL experience than 2008 No. 5 draft choice John David Booty, 12 years more than starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, and nine years more than backup Brooks Bollinger.
Frerotte said after practice on Friday he offers advice to the other quarterbacks, tells them what he thinks. Asked for an example, Frerotte mentioned Booty. “Footwork,” Frerotte said. “The other day, Booty, his feet were all screwed up. I said, ‘you gotta have your feet right. Because if your feet are off, or whatever, that hampers your throw. That hampers everything else. …”
Frerotte said he has encouraged Jackson to be a “pocket quarterback.” By staying in the pocket a quarterback often maximizes opportunities to make plays but it can be tempting for a gifted runner like Jackson to start running.
Jackson’s performance will be highly scrutinized in 2008 after a 2007 season in which he was inconsistent. Frerotte predicted a “different guy” in 2008.
Frerotte was signed by the Vikings in the off-season to provide leadership and better backup play if Jackson needs to be replaced because of injury or performance. Frerotte said he’s making progress in learning the offense and his arm is still strong.
“You see guys that are given gifts and I believe that just was my gift,” Frerotte said. “I wasn’t able to run fast or jump as high as anybody else but I could throw the ball as hard as anybody. And as I’ve gotten older that hasn’t dissipated at all. It’s stayed the same. I blew out my shoulder one year in Denver and was able to have surgery on it and came back and was throwing just as strong. …”
Is the velocity as good as ever? “Yeah, I think so,” Frerotte said. “It’s just the other parts that don’t have much velocity on them anymore.”
There’s anticipation Frerotte’s arrival means the Vikings will release Bollinger, keeping Booty as the third quarterback. Frerotte referred to Bollinger as a “good kid” and said he’s been helpful in answering questions about the offense.
“He’s been really open about everything so it’s been a nice relationship so far,” Frerotte said.