Childress mum on starting QB

Childress mum on starting QB
December 16
Minneapolis Star Tribune
"The Vikings starting quarterback Sunday will be ...

Tarvaris Jackson or Gus Frerotte. Sorry, but that's as far as Vikings coach Brad Childress was willing to go Monday.

"I'll certainly discuss it with those two guys before I discuss it with anyone else," Childress said.

As expected, Childress was not willing to announce his starter a day after Jackson had another strong performance in relief of the injured Frerotte. Jackson threw only 17 passes Sunday, but he completed 11 for 163 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-14 victory at Arizona.

Childress shared more praise for Jackson, but he indicated he's not inclined to name his starter for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons until he's seen both quarterbacks in practice. Childress does not like to tip his hand regarding personnel decisions for competitive reasons, so his starting quarterback likely won't be announced until Sunday.

Frerotte suffered a broken bone in his back against the Lions on Dec. 7, an injury that was expected to sideline him one to two weeks, meaning Jackson might end up starting against Atlanta by default. Frerotte said he is making progress and did some individual work with head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman on Monday.

"It's a lot better," Frerotte said Sunday. "It's been constant treatment, constant getting it worked on."

Childress must decide whether to stick with Jackson or go back to Frerotte, assuming he's healthy enough. Jackson has not resembled the quarterback who was benched after Week 2 since returning to the field last week at Detroit. He has shown more poise and decisiveness and been accurate on both short passes and throws down the field.

"I just think I see a brighter-eyed, more well-rounded guy, for whatever reason," Childress said. "Whether it is the time, whether it is sitting back and watching, whether it was a set of events that he didn't care for. Obviously when you get a second chance, you want to make the most of it, and he has done a great job of that.""
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