I was incredibly surprised when many people said they thought that the Minnesota Vikings were a potential Super Bowl team this year. Yes they have Purple Jesus, and yes their defense is good, but it was like everyone suddenly forgot about Tarvaris Jackson.

He's atrocious.

I realize that the Baltimore Ravens once won a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer, but that was a complete anomaly. We won't see something like that happen ever again.

And the truth is, it should have been apparent to everyone - including Brad Childress - that a change had to be made at quarterback after Minnesota's Week 1 loss to Green Bay. Actually, I think it was apparent to everyone after that game EXCEPT Brad Childress. Childress of course decided to give Jackson yet another try against Indy. Naturally, Jackson sucked.

The good news, Vikings fans, is that even the insanely stubborn Childress is finally having second thoughts about Jackson. Childress has stated that Jackson won't necessarily start against Carolina this coming week, and that he's prepared to look for other options at quarterback.

Excellent. Although the two remaining options for the Vikings are Gus Frerotte and John David Booty. Uh, not so excellent.


I have no idea how that last sentence relates at all to choosing a quarterback. I just hope whoever's the Vikings starting quarterback this coming week doesn't wander out onto the field naked.

But what's interesting about the Vikings dilemma is that it proves how valuable a competent quarterback is in the NFL. You can spend all offseason upgrading your defense and offense, but if you don't have anyone who can play quarterback, you're pretty much doomed.

The Packers seemed to know that Aaron Rodgers could handle the load, and thus let Brett Favre go. The Patriots seemed to know Matt Cassel would be all right after Brady went down. Although you're never 100% sure how well a quarterback will do until he's in a real game, there should be hints and clues as to whether your quarterback has the ability to "get it" over time. Well, Tarvaris Jackson has been at it for a year, and if anything, he's actually regressed. I know the usual line is that you have to give a QB at least 2 years, but I think we've all seen enough of Jackson to know he doesn't have it.

And, in all honesty, I'm starting to wonder the same thing about Jamarcus Russell in Oakland, even though he's only started two games.

What's remarkable is how few good quarterbacks there are in the NFL. When you find one, even a halfway decent one, you better hang on to him for dear life.

So, Vikings fans, your season is already over. And that's because you don't have a single competent quarterback on your squad. I would suggest you find one once you miss the playoffs yet again, because otherwise, you may very well lose your star running back before too long because of pure frustration.

Vikings run QB option [Minneapolis Star Tribune]