MINNEAPOLIS -- Tarvaris Jackson has tried to tune out all the chatter about the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation this offseason, but he can't 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 he has often issued to the quarterback.
Tarvaris Jackson
, QB
Minnesota Vikings
2008 Statistics
Games/Starts: 9/5
Passer Rating: 95.4
Passing Yards: 1,056
TD/INT: 9/2
"This ain't college no more. This is the NFL," Williams told the Sirius satellite radio network. "You have to put in more time than you are used to putting in. If you're putting in four hours, you have to put in eight. You have to put in more time than what he's doing. I think if he puts the right time in, he will be a great quarterback in the league."
Asked about Williams' comments after a community outreach event Wednesday afternoon, Jackson expressed disappointment in the publicity. He defended his work ethic, but he also acknowledged that he'll "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 you're not doing as well, you've got to put the extra time in. But I feel like I'm working hard. I've always been a hard worker."
Jackson said he'd address the matter with Williams soon, though the quarterback didn't sound too offended. Jackson already has endured plenty of struggles through three years in the NFL, so he's accustomed to answering such criticism.
"If I play better, I won't have to answer all these questions all the time," Jackson said.
Well, they likely won't end until September, at the earliest.
Jackson's productive performance at the end of the 2008 season was negated by a shaky showing in the Vikings' first-round playoff loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Vikings acquired Sage Rosenfels in a trade with the Houston Texans to create a two-way competition, then reportedly began talking to Brett Favre about his interest in un-retiring again. Favre's status is still uncertain, leaving Jackson -- and Rosenfels -- without clarity.
"Obviously, you want to play," Jackson said, "but if he (Favre) does come, I've just got to take it for what it's worth and just try to learn."
Jackson doesn't lack support, though. Another outspoken Vikings teammate, defensive end Ray Edwards, boldly endorsed him. Forget Favre, Edwards said. Forget Rosenfels, too. Jackson is Edwards' preference.
"I believe he's the better quarterback," Edwards said. "He's 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 Edwards insisted that his evaluation is honest, and he 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.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
