Justin Jefferson Is Outpacing Randy Moss
On Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Justin Jefferson had his third career game with 10+ receptions and his second in back-to-back weeks. By the time the clock hit zero, the third-year receiver had amassed a new career-high of 12 catches. This mark surpassed his previous high of 11 against the Detroit Lions in Week 13 of the 2021 season. This is impressive enough on its own, but he also surpassed Randy Moss for the most receptions by a Vikings player through three seasons.
Folks, it’s Week 5. Jefferson (knock on wood for good health) will play 12 more games before the curtain closes on the 2022 regular season.
Moss recorded 226 catches over his first three seasons in the NFL. Jefferson’s 12 in Week 5 puts him at 236 as the Vikings head down to Miami next weekend to take on the Dolphins.
Jefferson has recorded 10+ receptions in back-to-back weeks. His biggest performances of the season have come in extremely important games as the Vikings have jumped to 4-1 and now hold sole possession of the NFC North.
The star’s recent performances have given him a total of 40 for the season along with 547 receiving yards. He’s now on a 16-game pace for 128 receptions and ~1750 receiving yards.
Both of these numbers would obliterate Moss’ year three totals of 77 receptions and 1437 yards. These would also beat Jefferson’s career highs of 108 receptions and 1606 yards that he set over the course of 17 games in 2021.
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The scariest part is Jefferson’s biggest numbers of 2022 may still be ahead of him. Through five weeks, the Vikings have played four opponents that had defenses among the top 10 in terms of fewest passing yards per (Packers, Eagles, Saints, Bears) entering Week 5.
This week, the Vikings go up against the Miami Dolphins who entered Week 5 allowing the second-most passing yards. Following their bye, they then play the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. Each of them ranks among the bottom 11. We may need to get used to seeing some ridiculous numbers from the Vikings star receiver. I, for one, am excited to see it.
The Dolphins and Vikings kick off in Miami at 12 PM CST on Sunday, October 16th.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing as well as minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his takes, NFL and otherwise, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken
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