Tarvaris Jackson’s Job Is Safe, For Now

Added on Aug 22, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Despite the poor showing by quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and the Seahawks first-team offense through two preseason games, head coach Pete Carroll isn’t prepared to look to the bench. On July 29th, Jackson inked a two-year contract and was immediately anointed as the number one signal caller, replacing Matt Hasselbeck who left via free agency.

In two games this August, Jackson has completed 14 of 26 passes for 88 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception and been sacked twice. More concerning than stats, Seattle’s offense has been shut out with Jackson under center. Struggles aside, Carroll says it’s too soon to turn to backup Charlie Whitehurst.

“I’m not in that mindset at all,” Carroll said, according to The Seattle Times. “I love that Charlie played well, and I think we need to give Tarvaris a chance to play well, too, with the guys around him. I felt like he was out there fighting for it, and he did a good job of competing.”

Whitehurst, who was acquired in a trade with San Diego in March 2010, has looked much sharper, completing 28 of 39 passes for 212 yards, one touchdown and no picks. To be fair, he’s done most of his damage against second- and third-stringers. Whitehurst saw action in six games last year, but wasn’t impressive enough to convince Carroll he could take the starting reins in 2011.

Seattle added a pair of legit playmakers in wide receiver Sidney Rice and tight end Zach Miller to help bolster a tepid offensive attack. They also hired offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who worked with Jackson in Minnesota for the last five seasons.

The decision to go with Jackson will be scrutinized until he proves himself. He’s never thrown more than nine touchdowns in a season and has started more than five games only once. His athleticism has never been in doubt, but the inability to consistently read defenses and perform under pressure have plagued him his whole career.

So, Jackson’s job is safe for now. However, things have a tendency to change quickly in the NFL.

Source: NFL.com