Just Me wrote:
+1 - I always wanted Jackson to leave because I had this fear that he was always going to be named the starter at some point in the season (while Childress was here) and he just wasn't that good. I always liked his work ethic and attitude, and wouldn't even have a problem if he returned as long as it was clearly understood he was backup material only. I don't see that happening, but we could do alot worse in the backup QB department than Jackson...
That's true but I think they can do better too, not that they're necessarily doing it now.
I suppose it depends on how the team wants to approach the position and who is available. TJ is good enough to serve as a backup but ideally, I think it's better to have a young backup with more upside than that, someone who could eventually become a legitimate NFL starter. I'm thinking of QBs like Matt Hasselbeck, Matt Schaub or Matt Cassel. In other words, it should be someone named Matt!
Seriously, the 3 QBs I mentioned above all spent time as young backups but were able to become legitimate NFL starters. Super Bowl-winning QBs like Jeff Hostetler, Brad Johnson, Kurt Warner and Tom Brady all began their careers as backups too. I understand that a team can't always get backups like that but at this point, I see Jackson more like a younger Rosenfels, a veteran who can give you something off the bench but who no longer has an upside as a legitimate NFL starter. Rosenfels is obviously quite a bit older and I'm not comparing their style of play, just saying they're veterans who have probably shown the best they have to offer.
All of the above is why I think the Vikes need to be prepared to cut bait with Webb or demote him to 3rd on the depth chart if he doesn't make great strides forward this year. Thus far, as a QB, he's a phenomenal runner. They need a backup with more upside as a passer and if Webb can't demonstrate that, they need to add a young player who does.