Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson offered up some advice based on the challenges he faced this season. His accomplishments and his team’s triumphs in overcoming significant challenges are too many to list. Jefferson is having one of the worst seasons of his career for a disappointing program record of 4-8. Yet both he and his team are facing major battles.
The Vikings have faced a bevy of challenges all season long, starting with an injury to their presumed starting quarterback, and lack of consistency under center since then. Jefferson has acclimated to the throws from second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the past six games. He went up against fellow first-year man Max Brosmer in one game. This new move has resulted in perhaps the most profound change in his game. As it stands right now he’s averaging just 46 receiving yards per game thrown to by these QBs.
With all that, Jefferson is still 12th in the NFL in receptions and receiving yards. That all makes sense, but he’s somehow on pace to score just two touchdowns this year. This eye-grabbing stat is a far cry from the sensational numbers fans and analysts alike have grown accustomed to seeing from the dynamic wideout. He started the season with a ridiculous 96.5 receiving yards per game average. That accomplishment stands as the most in NFL history by a qualified player.
After a recent game, Jefferson’s frustration was evident. He even sat forlornly on a water cooler in the fourth quarter to demonstrate just how disgusted he was. The emotional toll of the season really came to light when he made a game-changing decision. He decided to not do his post-game news conference, doing that for the first time in his career.
To not finish with a career-low in receiving yards, he’ll need to gain 601 yards in the final five weeks of the season. Through all that pressure, though, he doesn’t sound discouraged and is actually positive about his role in the team’s struggles. As Jefferson put it, “You have to have a ton of patience,” emphasizing his loyalty to creating change and evolving despite the challenges.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell understood the challenges ahead for Jefferson and stressed the importance of winning games needing all 11 men working together and in sync. “He doesn’t need to do this, right? “He clearly cares about winning football games,” O’Connell said. He really articulated the difficulties that young quarterbacks face out there. He acknowledged that it’s more than calling the right plays or designing the best opening sequences to start games, that everyone has to execute at a premium level for the success they desire to come to fruition.
Jefferson, who is on track to finish his sixth NFL season without a playoff victory. This statistic sits very heavily on his mind as he looks back on his career to this point. He stops short of calling this season “wasted.” Instead, he sees it as a chance to improve and adapt in a changing team landscape.
As the 2023 season develops, all eyes will be on Jefferson. He’s looking to return to his elite form and help the Vikings pull themselves out of the depths of a rough season. The next couple of games will be critical for Jefferson’s ability to set new personal records. They will certainly be crucial in the Vikings’ race to the top.
Leave a Reply