Rookie QB Jackson to start for Vikings this Week

Originally Posted by ESPN

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- It's "Tarvaris Time" in Minnesota.

Vikings coach Brad Childress said Tuesday that he is turning the reins over to rookie Tarvaris Jackson, a second-round pick out of Division I-AA Alabama State, for the final two games of the season.

Jackson takes over for veteran Brad Johnson at quarterback, perhaps marking the end of the 38-year-old's second stint with the Vikings.

Childress said Jackson "gives us the best chance to win."

"I have high expectations for him," Childress said. "He's prepared. He's ready to go."

Childress has benched Johnson three times this season, with the final move coming in the closing seconds of the third quarter of Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. Johnson was 10-of-17 for 96 yards and a touchdown in the game but failed to move the offense effectively after throwing a TD to Travis Taylor on his third snap of the game.

After Johnson was booed off the field by the home crowd, Jackson entered the game with 25 seconds left in the third period to a standing ovation. He threw for 177 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a performance deemed "OK" by Childress.

Jackson will get the first start of his career on Thursday night at Green Bay.

The rookie has been fiercely loyal to Johnson throughout the season, defending his mentor against mounting criticism and refusing to lobby for a start.

But after the Jets game, Jackson was asked if he felt like he was ready for a start if called upon this week.

And if Childress decides to go with the rookie for the final two games of the season, Jackson says he'll be ready.

"Of course," he said. "It'd be fun to go into Lambeau. I've never even been there. I always watch guys play there, so it'd be fun."

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press