Vikings QB Jackson to remain as starter

Dec 22, 2008 - 9:48 PM EDEN PRAIRIE, Minnesota (Ticker) - Tarvaris Jackson had trouble holding onto the ball, but he's maintaining a hold on his job.

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress on Monday said Jackson will remain the starting quarterback for Sunday's regular-season finale against the New York Giants.

Jackson completed 22-of-36 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns in this past weekend's 24-17 home loss to Atlanta, but he lost two fumbles and mishandled a snap in a shotgun formation, resulting in a 22-yard loss.

Nevertheless, Childress is sticking with Jackson over 37-year-old Gus Frerotte, who has not played since suffering a fracture in his lower back in the second quarter of a 20-16 win at Detroit in Week 14.

"He's done enough to be able to start in the season finale," Childress said of Jackson.

Starting in place of Frerotte on December 14 at Arizona, Jackson turned in the best performance of his career, completing 11-of-17 passes for 163 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.

Jackson opened the year as Minnesota's starter but his inconsistent play landed him on the bench following Minnesota's 0-2 start.

Minnesota (9-6) is leading the NFC North by a half-game over Chicago (8-6), which hosts Green Bay on Monday night.

The Vikings can clinch the division title with a victory over the Giants (12-3), who have secured the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.