Tarvaris Jackson has tried to tune out all the chatter about Minnesotas quarterback situation this offseason, but he cant make a clean escape.

The latest opinion came from teammate and defensive tackle Pat Williams, who in a recent radio interview urged Jackson to work harder – reiterating a challenge hes issued to him often.

This aint college no more. This is the NFL. You have to put in more time than you are used to putting in, Williams told the Sirius satellite radio network. If youre putting in four hours, you have to put in eight. You have to put in more time than what hes doing. I think if he puts the right time in, he will be a great quarterback in the league.

Asked about that after a community outreach event on Wednesday afternoon, Jackson expressed disappointment in the publicity. He defended his work ethic, but also acknowledged that hell try to turn it up a notch this summer.

Like he said, maybe I do have to put extra time in, Jackson said. I guess when youre not doing as well, youve got to put the extra time in. But I feel like Im working hard. Ive always been a hard worker.

Jackson said hed address the matter with Williams soon, though he didnt sound too offended. Hes endured plenty of struggles through three years in the NFL already, so hes used to answering such criticism.

If I play better, I wont have to answer all these questions all the time, Jackson said.

Well, they likely wont end until September, at the earliest.

Jacksons productive performance at the end of the 2008 season was negated by a shaky showing in Minnesotas first-round playoff loss at home to Philadelphia.

The Vikings traded for Sage Rosenfels to create a two-way competition, then began talking to Brett Favre about his interest in un-retiring again. Favres status is still uncertain, leaving Jackson – and Rosenfels – without clarity.

Obviously you want to play, Jackson said, but if he does come, Ive just got to take it for what its worth and just try to learn.

Jackson doesnt lack support, though.

Another outspoken teammate, defensive end Ray Edwards, boldly endorsed him. Forget Favre, Edwards said. Forget Rosenfels, too, he said. Jackson is his preference.

I believe hes the better quarterback, Edwards said. Hes proven himself in the league. Sage has proven himself also, but to me Tarvaris is the more mobile quarterback that can make plays happen.

Drafted the same year as Jackson by the Vikings, Edwards acknowledged a bias toward his friend. But he insisted his evaluation is honest, and encouraged Jackson to keep his confidence.

Just go out there and just be yourself and make plays happen, and everybody will forget about Favre, Edwards said.

Edwards and Jackson appeared at a Minneapolis elementary school for a partnership between the Vikings and two local food bank organizations to help provide up to 200,000 extra meals for children this summer when access to free or reduced-price lunches ends with the school year.

The team has pledged $92,000 toward the effort, which is building off a national government program of similar nature. Its inspiring to Edwards, who had a challenging childhood in Cincinnati.

I used to be one of these kids. I grew up on free lunch and reduced lunch and things like that. I had to take advantage of it growing up, because in a single-parent home there was not a lot of food to go around as a growing boy, he said, adding: If youre hungry, you start doing things that you wouldnt normally do. I believe if youve got a full stomach, kids start being more productive.

Posted on May 28th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: NFL football news