If there was one thing that became clear during the Vikings' minicamp this weekend, it's that Tarvaris Jackson is this team's top quarterback behind Brett Favre.

This comes as no surprise, but the point was driven home as Jackson got the first-team reps throughout. On Sunday, he completed three of six passes during red-zone drills in 11-on-11. This included a nice throw to Bernard Berrian for a touchdown on a play in which the wide receiver beat cornerback Lito Sheppard. Jackson also completed a touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, but at one point had a ball nearly picked by defensive end Brian Robison.

Entering his fifth NFL season, Jackson knows that he's the Vikings' top quarterback at this point only because Brett Favre hasn't made his expected return."I went through it last year so it's pretty much the same thing," Jackson said when asked if it was odd to be holding a place for a player. "It's no different. I'm just going to do the best I can while I'm here regardless of the outcome, if I'm going to start or not. I'm just trying to do my best right now and whatever happens, happens."

Vikings coach Brad Childress was pleased with Jackson's work over the three-day camp. "I saw a guy that is taking another step within the system and has the wisdom of watching a very good quarterback play last year and operate in this system like a master at the piano," Childress said. " ... I feel like [Jackson] has grown and nothing has stunted his growth."

Asked if Jackson was his starting quarterback (minus Favre), Childress said: "You have to write the pieces that you have to write. He was No. 1 [behind Favre] coming out last year and he really hasn't done anything to move himself back. That is what training camp is for. My expectations are that all those guys are coming in to compete and really the proof is what you put on the field."