Matt Birk Thinks Tarvaris Jackson is Ready

Matt Birk (who remains disgruntled about his contract situation as far as I know) appeared on KFAN’s Power Trip Morning Show, which is hosted by his old buddy Mike Morris, former Vikings long-snapper.  Naturally the conversation turned to QB Tarvaris Jackson and whether he’s ready to take the next step and become a viable leader for a team that otherwise would appear poised for a big-time run in the NFC.  Mr. Birk said of Tarvaris:

"This is the year.Do I think he has what it takes? Absolutely! Is it going to be ups and downs, bumps in the road? Absolutely. But I think he’s coming along. … I think he’s got what it takes. Obviously, it’s a big year for him and a big year for us, but I feel very good with him being our quarterback."

It’s nice to see Matt’s issues with management aren’t hindering his ability to put a positive spin on a situation that pretty much everyone is anxious about, including the other players and the coaching staff.

Quarterbacks already have a lot of pressure on them as it is, but the pressure on Tarvaris is even bigger than usual because of the moves that were made this off-season.  You don’t spend big on Bernard Berrian and Madieu Williams, and then trade high draft picks and spend even more dough on Jared Allen, if you don’t expect to make 2008 your year.  Tarvaris Jackson, quite simply, has to play well this year, or the whole thing was for nothing.

And if T-Jack doesn’t play well, the hammer will come down on Brad Childress for hitching the wagon to such a lame horse.