Tarvaris Jackson: Remembering his top 3 moments with Vikings

2. Taking over during 2008 playoffs

One of the biggest games in Tarvaris Jackson’s time with the Minnesota Vikings, and maybe in his career as a whole, came during the 2008 season when he took the Vikings into the 2008 NFL Playoffs.

After starting 12 games under center during the 2007 campaign, Jackson moved into a backup role in 2008 while spending time behind then Vikings starting quarterback Gus Frerotte.

Jackson managed to make nine appearances during his third season in the NFL that year, starting in five of those games in Weeks 1 and 2, as well as Weeks 7-9. His final regular-season start was in a Week 9 win over the New York Giants that year.

At 25 years old at the time, Jackson ended up getting another big chance to lead Minnesota later on that year, when the Vikings wrapped up the regular-season schedule with a record of 10-6 overall and took the NFC North title to return to the playoffs.

In the NFC Wild Card Round, Jackson got the start under center for Minnesota against the Philadelphia Eagles — who grabbed the second NFC Wild Card spot — at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.

During that game, the Vikings unfortunately fell to the Eagles 26-14 to bounce them early in the postseason and bringing the season to a halt for Minnesota.

In the loss, Jackson completed 15 of his overall 35 pass attempts, throwing for 164 yards through the air. He managed to also run for 17 yards on two attempts.

The game ended in disappointing fashion for both Jackson and the Vikings, but this playoff contest was arguably the biggest moment and biggest game for the quarterback while serving as quarterback in Minnesota.