What if Justin Jefferson Is Even Better in 2022?
Ted Schwerzler
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Justin Jefferson just capped off one of the most prolific seasons in Vikings history. He would’ve put up the best yardage season in franchise history under almost any other head coach. He compiled the most yards through two seasons in NFL history. What if that’s just scratching the surface?
The Minnesota Vikings tabbed Kevin O’Connell as their next head coach in large part because it symbolized a shift in franchise philosophy. It’s not just about being an offensive mind as opposed to the defensive guru that Mike Zimmer was, but a push for collaboration and improvement that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah embodies as a general manager. That certainly should prove beneficial for those on the offensive side of the ball, and the uber-talented LSU product could stand to benefit most.
It’s hard to remember that Jefferson has played in just 33 games thus far in his career. Despite being a first-round pick, he didn’t start until week three of his rookie year and hasn’t yet cracked 200 career receptions. Even in the limited exposure, he’ll head into his age-23 season as a two-time All-Pro and Pro-Bowl selection.
To say he’s among the most talented wide receivers in the NFL is not a reach. How do you expand on that, though?
What Jefferson has done as a receiver has come under the tutelage of a gritty defensive head coach, and at best, a stymied offensive coordinator. With the Vikings pushing such a run-heavy approach, his opportunity was always going to be limited. More than what was, though, let’s look at what is.
O’Connell took over as the Rams offensive coordinator in 2020. Despite not being credited with calling plays, it’s his hand that has crafted one of the most explosive talents in the league. Cooper Kupp just put up one of the best seasons in NFL history, and his Offensive Player of the Year Award could be seen as a work in progress for a while.
Despite dealing with injuries and starting only 12 games for the Rams two years ago, Kupp was targeted 124 times and put up 974 yards. His 10.6 yards per reception was down from the season before, and his touchdowns fell off the table, but working through injury and with an ineffective Jared Goff, it was apparent his talent was legit. Tasked with picking up the slack after Robert Woods’ injury this season, and even with the addition of superstar Odell Beckham Jr., O’Connell put Kupp in a position to shine.
Kupp’s 145 receptions this year led the league, and he came just 53 yards shy of topping 2,000. He put up a monster 114.5 yards per game and led the league with 16 touchdowns. Los Angeles continued to dial up similar usage in the playoffs, and his 92 yards and two touchdowns in the Super Bowl earned him MVP honors. Despite every opponent knowing Kupp was Matthew Stafford’s preferred target, he was put in position to get himself open and exploit opposing defenses.
Jefferson now benefits from working with Keenan McCardell, who will be retained on O’Connell’s staff, and the receivers have praised his coaching efforts. Teammate Adam Thielen is among the greatest route runners in the league over the past handful of years, and now you’re adding a leader to the group that can bring another set of skills to the equation.
At some point, it’s fair to question how much further you can push stats and numbers, but wondering if we aren’t seeing a young receiver just scratching the surface of his potential is more than a fair thing to ponder. Jefferson isn’t the same type of wide receiver as Cris Carter or Randy Moss, but he is his own talent, and that’s one showing early returns as being equally as big of a game-changer. Buckle up. This should get even more fun.
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