Blizzard

John Clayton thinks Brad Childress has handled Tarvaris Jackson just fine.

Alan Page (pro-football-reference).

Tyrell Johnson (Star Tribune).

Familiar scenario: Sid Hartman talks to an optimistic local sports owner (Star Tribune).

Chase Stuart talks about the Jets, Favre, and Super Bowl champs with new players (pro-football-reference).

"The NFL Network reported that if New York turns around and trade him to Minnesota, the Jets would have to give Green Bay three first-round picks" (Pioneer Press).

Chad Pennington
I have not been bothered that the Vikings committed to Tarvaris Jackson as the starting quarterback for 2008. I've gone from vexed to infuriated that the team hasn't done more to provide an adequate backup plan in case Jackson struggles. Right now it's all or nothing: if Jackson is successful, great, but if Jackson struggles, the season is probably lost. If the team had a solid veteran quarterback on the roster (and I don't believe in Gus Frerotte), then if Jackson struggles through four games or so, then the team could turn to the veteran to perhaps save the season and guide the team to the playoffs. It's just a reasonable backup plan: commit to Jackson, but be prepared to succeed even if he struggles. But the Vikes haven't done that.

I'd be thrilled if the Vikings could get Pennington. A month may not be enough to acclimate him to the offense, but if he's the backup option, then it would really be more like two months before the team would need him. He's a veteran, accurate in the short passing game, and generally makes good decisions. I'm not imploring the Vikes to get Pennington and install him as starter. I would love for them to get Pennington, continue to prepare for the Tarvaris Jackson Experience, and then ask Pennington to rescue the season if Jackson really isn't good.

A personal note
I've mentioned on this blog that I don't get ESPN at home. That all changes this week: I'll be getting both ESPN and the NFL Network, so that my life can be completely inundated with televised football.