Posted August 19, 2011    

•Tarvaris Jackson

•Pete Carroll

•Bryant McKinnie

•Randy Shaver

•Kim Kardashian

Opportunity Knocks Again for T-Jack 

Former Vikings assistant coach Dean Dalton ─ who still follows the NFL closely including for his Sirius Satellite Radio show ─ expects Tarvaris Jackson to start for Seattle tomorrow night against the Vikings, and the preseason game will be another confidence test for the 28-year-old quarterback.  

Jackson left the Vikings after last season and so, too, did his former offensive coordinator in Minnesota, Darrell Bevell.  The two have a new beginning in Seattle where Jackson is expected to become the team’s starter.   

Jackson was unimpressive in Seattle’s first preseason game of the year, completing three of five passes during limited playing time in the first half.  Tomorrow night in Seattle the Seahawks’ new quarterback receives another opportunity. 

This opportunity is special because Jackson has the advantage of playing against former players and coaches he knew in Minneapolis.  Dalton expects Bevell will be playing up the advantage to Jackson.  “Darrell will be pumping his brain full of confidence,” Dalton said.  

Jackson spent five seasons here playing in Bevell’s West Coast offense, the system he was trying to execute last weekend during Seattle’s 24-17 win over San Diego.  “He (Jackson) didn’t look particularly crisp,” Dalton said.  “Hopefully, he will have a new life in Seattle.” 

Although Jackson started 20 games for the Vikings during his career, there was ongoing doubt among media and fans about whether he was worthy of being the No. 1 quarterback.  Dalton said Jackson lacked confidence and consistency.

 

Dalton: Think Fast to Play Fast 

“There’s never been a question about his arm strength, athleticism and work ethic,” Dalton said.  “His lack of confidence affected his passing.  You have to think fast to play fast.  I think he second guesses himself and you can’t do that against world class athletes.  You have to even throw the ball before guys are open.” 

Earlier this month Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Jackson was “jerked around” during his days in Minnesota.  Dalton sees the statement as Carroll’s attempt to boost his quarterback’s confidence. 

“If anything, he (Jackson) was given preferential treatment here,” Dalton said.  “Brad Childress (Vikings coach) hung his hat on Jackson for all or part of five seasons.  He moved up in the draft to take Jackson.  He (Jackson) had many opportunities here and opportunities to start.” 

After starting 12 games in 2007 and five in 2008, Jackson was pushed to the background by the arrival of Brett Favre.  Jackson played in only 11 games the last two seasons and started just one.  He has 24 career touchdown passes and 22 interceptions.  He has never won a playoff game.  

Carroll is regarded as a master motivator and perhaps he will improve Jackson.  The former second round draft choice will have Carroll’s support and Bevell’s, plus the opportunity to throw to former Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice. 

There’s that word again, opportunity.  The “O” word beckons tomorrow night in exhibition game No. 2 versus Jackson’s old team.

 

Worth Noting   

The Vikings’ new left tackle, Charlie Johnson, could be more productive than the dismissed Bryant McKinnie but is that good enough?  Johnson might be a candidate to start at right guard if the Vikings find a left tackle they like.  Second year right tackle Phil Loadholt doesn’t have quick enough feet to play the vital pass-protecting left tackle spot. 

The offensive line seems like a preseason experiment.  Reserve guard Chris DeGeare has been getting some work at tackle, and another backup, Jon Cooper, is playing center and guard as the Vikings sort out their options.  Starting center John Sullivan, entering his fourth season, is so far no Matt Birk.   

Former Breck star and Minneapolis native Dominique Byrd is a tight end with the Seahawks.  He had two catches for 52 yards in Seattle’s first preseason game.  

Sporting News Magazine features its college football preview in the August 15 issue.  The magazine ranks USC, the Gophers season opening opponent, No. 25 in the country behind Big Ten teams Nebraska (No. 9), Wisconsin (No. 10), Michigan State (No. 14), Ohio State (No. 17) and Penn State No. 24.   

“Probation-strapped USC” is projected by the magazine to finish third in the Pac-12 South Division behind Utah and Arizona State.  The publication predicts the Gophers will be last in the six team Legends Division.  None of coach Jerry Kill’s players are included on the magazine’s Big Ten all-conference team.  

Former Vikings quarterback Brooks Bollinger is starting his first season as Hill-Murray head football coach.   

KARE 11 sportscaster Randy Shaver, a passionate prep football observer, announced his preseason all-metro team this week on the station’s website.  Included on the team are three players who, according to Rivals.com, have verbally committed to the Gophers, Edina’s Nick Rallis, Lakeville’s Mitch Leidner and Isaac Hayes from St. Thomas Academy.  All 25 players selected are seniors. 

Okmagazine.com reports that PETA is giving a “faux fur throw blanket” to Kim Kardashian and former Gophers basketball player Kris Humphries as a wedding gift.  The two will marry tomorrow.  The animal rights organization is “pals” with Kim’s sister, Khole Kardashian Odom. 

Prep basketball authority Ken Lien emailed that Will Dunn from Benilde-St. Margaret’s has verbally committed to Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne.  Will's father, Brian, is CEO at Best Buy.  

The Yankees, who defeated the Twins 8-4 last night at Target Field, have out- homered Minnesota 7-0 in four games this season.  New York has won 14 of the last 17 regular season games against the Twins.  

The Twins are 9-22 against the American League East this season.

 

Jerry Kill

 Ken Lien