Minnesota Vikings: How Brad Childress Will Handle Delicate QB Situation

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the most unsettled quarterback situations in the NFL, yet their moves this offseason indicate that they trust Tarvaris Jackson running the offense in only his second season as a starter.

We know Jackson made progress last year and possesses above average physical skills for an NFL QB. Anybody who knows anything about quarterbacks knows that 70 percent of their effectiveness is mental and Jackson flat out has to perform better in 2008.

He threw way too many interceptions and was indecisive all year. He has a year under his belt and has been putting in the work this offseason.

Reports out of Winter Park (training facility) say that he is much more relaxed and confident in what is expected of him and in his performance on and off the field as the leader of the franchise.

One interesting move was made when the Vikings drafted John David Booty out of USC in this years draft. Booty is NFL-ready and although he will not beat out Jackson this year, don't be surprised if the Vikings hand over the keys to him late in the season if things go sour with Jackson.

Gus Frerotte was brought into camp to...

1) Provide a capable backup, something the Vikings did not have last year; and

2) Bring Jackson along and help him with the nuances of the game.

Frerotte is not the long-term answer but will help the organization in some capacity this year.

My prediction on how the quarterback situation will unfold:

Tarvaris Jackson: He will be much improved over last season and with the addition of Bernard Berrian, he will have a go to receiver to fall back on. The rushing attack will also take pressure of Jackson, and I expect Tarvaris to lead the club to 10 or 11 wins and really improve in the decision making facet of quarterbacking.

This will prove to be key as the Vikings will win a lot of close games due to protecting the football, an area that is being overemphasized throughout the organization. Jackson will throw for 2,500 plus yards and up his TD total to around 20 through the air and six on the ground and the Vikings will win a wild card game and lose in the divisional round to Dallas.

John David Booty:  A pro system guy coming out of USC, Booty excels in anticipatory throws and reading the coverage. I see Booty as a guy who plays sparingly in 2008 and will benefit greatly from being the No. 3 guy behind Frerotte.

Gus Frerotte: Adds much needed depth to the position and will tutor both JDB and Tarvaris exceptionally well.

Brooks Bollinger:  Journeyman who is unfortunately going to be the odd man out. A proven quality backup, the Vikings will release him during training camp and he will be picked up by some NFL team this season.

Kyle Wright: Interesting project that has people drooling over his physical ability. Huge arm, great feet and may have the best natural passer out of the 2008 draft class.

I honestly feel he can compete with Booty for the No. 3 spot, but is not as polished in the West Coast system as Booty is. Wright will play well in the preseason and the Vikings will keep him as a fourth QB/practice squad guy.

Mark my words, he will be a starting quarterback in the NFL within three to four years somewhere.