At last count there were a record 64 different starting QBs around the league this season. Since several teams, i.e. New England, Dallas, Green Bay, Seattle, etc., had the same QB start every game, it meant that many teams had injuries or poor QB play. Not so coincidentally, those teams with just one starting QB were in the upper tier of the standings.

The Vikes had 3, of course, as everyone knows. Holcomb went 0-3 and Bollinger 0-1. Tarvaris gets credit for a record of 8-4 as a starter ( 8-6 lifetime ). In the Childress offensive system of the past two seasons, the QB is mainly a "caretaker" position - hand off the ball and don't throw interceptions or have fumbles. If the QB doesn't cause turnovers, the running game and special teams work well, and the defense makes some big plays, there's a pretty good chance of putting up a W.

Except for Adrian Peterson, the offense never seemed dangerous this year. You never had the sense the Vikings were going to impose their will upon a defense. As long as the Vikes got up early or kept the game close there was hope the offense could put together a drive.

However, being behind by more than 7 points was like facing an impossible task. In the only game of the season in which Minnesota did come from two scores down, T-Jack played poorly for 3 quarters then scored two TDs and two two-point conversions to tie Denver 19-19, only to fumble away victory in OT.

Tarvaris was not directly responsible for any of the 8 victories. He did not put the team on his back and carry them to victory. There were no heroics or amazing passes or brilliant audibles. He simply didn't give the game away by having turnovers.

Without Adrian Peterson we would likely be 4-12 with our victories being Atlanta (defense), N.Y. Giants (defense), San Francisco (C. Taylor & defense), and Oakland (poor opponent).

The draft is not a promising place to upgrade this position, which leaves free-agency or trade. Looking around the NFL, there is not much quality in the free-agent to be QBs. Cleveland will not allow Derek Anderson to escape. J.P.Losman has a poor attitude.

Ben Maller's rumors indicated Childress may be interested in trading for Donovan McNabb and Philadelphia's asking price is two #1 draft picks. I do not care much for McNabb, I dislike Philadelphia, and I hate the idea of giving up draft picks.

However if you can imagine McNabb as being our QB this year, four of those losses could have been wins - Detroit, Kansas City, Philadelphia, and Dallas. In the first Green Bay game Adrian Peterson had 108 yards rushing in the first half, 4 in the second with two touches. Its likely McNabb would have called some audibles during the second half to run Adrian. I think we could get 3 good years from McNabb. Remember the '98 team? We did pretty good with a former Eagle QB in '98 - Randal Cunningham, of course.

Here's a trade proposal for McNabb...the Vikes 1st round draft pick, 6th round draft pick, Tarvaris Jackson, and Visanthe Shiancoe. Plus a bag of doughnuts.