Jackson takes small step up, but Bollinger goes backward

SEATTLE — The Vikings emerged from their 30-13 preseason loss to the Seahawks on Saturday night feeling Tarvaris Jackson had taken a small step in what is going to be — best-case scenario — a gradual development at the quarterback position. But if Jackson inched forward, backup Brooks Bollinger appeared headed in the opposite direction.

That means that nearly one year after obtaining Bollinger from the New York Jets for defensive tackle C.J. Mosley and a draft pick because Mike McMahon did not pan out, the Vikings again are exploring their options at backup quarterback. The team already has been keeping a close eye on a few players, including Philadelphia fourth-stringer Kelly Holcomb.

The Atlanta Falcons also are thought to be interested in Holcomb now that Michael Vick's NFL career has been put on indefinite hold. If the Vikings had been hesitant to send a draft pick to the Eagles for Holcomb, their attitude might have changed Saturday night.

Bollinger played four series, replacing Jackson after the Vikings' first possession of the third quarter, and completed six of 11 passes for 52 yards with two interceptions and one sack.

Bollinger appeared indecisive — a major no-no in a scheme that stresses quick decision-making — and posted a dismal 27.7 quarterback rating. Jackson had a 70.8 rating.

Bollinger's biggest miscue came in the fourth quarter. Working out of the shotgun with the Vikings facing third-and-10 from their 32, he attempted a short pass to Justin Surrency on the right side. Seahawks cornerback Kevin Hobbs read the play, stepped in front of the receiver and returned the interception 39 yards for a touchdown.

"You have to err on the side of caution," Vikings coach Brad Childress said. "If you have to check it down, you have to check it down. I expect that from him, and I know he's sick about that, too."

This is especially true because Bollinger's on-field savvy is considered his main asset. The Seahawks' second interception came on a fourth-and-6 late in the game when linebacker Will Herring picked off a pass in the end zone that was aimed at tight end Braden Jones. Childress said that pick didn't upset him as much because Bollinger "was just trying to keep it alive and make something happen."

Jackson, meanwhile, got a taste Saturday of what he will see when the Vikings open the regular season Sept. 9 against Atlanta. The Seahawks blitzed him frequently as he played seven series (six really, considering Jackson fumbled away the first snap of the game) and completed nine of 18 passes for 117 yards with no interceptions or touchdowns.

"They were coming after him," Childress said. "They zero blitzed him; they didn't leave any safeties in the middle of the field. He didn't stand there and hold the football. He got it out. He just needs to get it out and put it a little closer to somebody and then obviously someone needs to make a play. He had the answers is what I'm saying. He didn't appear starstruck with that."

Considering Jackson's struggles in blitz periods in minicamp and training camp practices, the way he handled things had to please the Vikings. Jackson seemed to do a good job of recognizing the blitz and throwing to the proper receivers. As Childress mentioned, though, the ball did not always get to the intended target.

One such instance came on a third-and-10 situation from the Seattle 29 as the Vikings ran a two-minute drill late in the opening half. Jackson, working from the shotgun, saw Seahawks safety Brian Russell coming on a blitz. Instead of stepping up and delivering the ball, Jackson backpedaled and launched a pass deep downfield for receiver Bobby Wade. Wade had a step on corner Josh Wilson at the 10-yard line but had to stop and turn around as the ball fell short.

Jackson lamented the missed opportunity but knows he will be presented with several more chances to work against pressure.

"My being young, I expect everybody to come at me," he said. "You just have to make plays when they do it."

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com