As NFL observers continue to wait for the seemingly inevitable announcement that quarterback Brett Favre will be donning a purple jersey and helmet in 2009, we’re hearing that some members of what would be his third team in three seasons aren’t thrilled with the idea that a new signal-caller will be getting the keys to a recently underachieving passing game.
And they don’t want Sage Rosenfels, either.
Per a league source, some Vikings believe that Tarvaris Jackson should be the starter, based on Jackson’s performance during offseason workouts.
Yes, Tarvaris Jackson.
Of course, Jackson also drew high praise last year for his work in the underwear practices. Once the season began, Jackson played poorly -- and he quickly was benched for Gus Frerotte.
Jackson returned after Frerotte suffered broken bones in his back, and Jackson did well down the stretch, finishing the season with a passer rating of 95.4.
But the three-year pro was ineffective during a wild-card loss to the Eagles, and the trade for Rosenfels was regarded as a strong sign that Jackson would be on the bench.
Previously, there have been a few indications that some were hesistant to welcome Favre with open arms. Defensive end Ray Edwards has said that Favre will have to drop the “prima donna act,” and linebacker Chad Greenway has questioned “where [Favre’s] loyalties lie.”
So Favre will have his work cut out for him if/when he joins the Vikings -- both in the locker room and on the field.
That said, if/when Favre arrives, he’ll be the starter. And coach Brad Childress wouldn’t be sniffing around the guy who smells like tractor if Jackson had stepped up last year in the postseason, when he had his chance to nail down the job for years to come.