Very Quietly, Justin Jefferson Set Two Career Bests on Saturday
K. Joudry
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The Minnesota Vikings – as you may have heard – pulled off the greatest comeback in NFL history. That reality has prompted many us to overlook that Justin Jefferson accomplished something significant: setting new career highs in single-season receptions and yards.
Indeed, the WR1 is now up to 111 catches and 1623 yards. Previously, his career-highs were 108 catches and 1616 yards (both of which came last season).
By the end of the game, Jefferson had 12 catches (16 targets), 123 yards, and a TD. He now has 7 TDs for the season.
The accomplishments are simply two more reminders that Justin Jefferson is having an All Pro season. The Colts put their best corner on #18 at various points in the Saturday game, but Jefferson got the best of him on several occasions. The TD catch was sensational:
Admittedly, it’s insanely difficult to hang with Jefferson in a true one-on-one scenario. What allows Justin Jefferson to get so much separation is that extra jump inward before breaking out toward the sideline. That’s what really sells that he’ll actually be going in when, in fact, he’s heading toward the corner of the endzone.
Randy Moss’s best season in purple – at least in terms of receiving yards – was back in 2003 when he went for 1632 yards. In other words, a 10-yard catch for Jefferson will mean the 23-year-old has officially overcome Moss’s number. Cris Carter already thinks that Jefferson is the best WR in franchise history, so surpassing Moss would add some more weight to Carter’s proclamation.
Fans will be forgiven if they didn’t realize Justin Jefferson set these new career highs. After all, we’re all still a little stunned by what we saw on Saturday. I guess putting together the largest comeback in NFL history will do that to a fan base.
With the win, the Vikings lock-in the NFC North, ensuring the fans at U.S. Bank Stadium will see at least one home playoff game. Maintaining the #2 seed is of the utmost importance for the playoff run. San Francisco is only a game behind, and no one wants to take on Kyle Shanahan’s squad in SF.
Minnesota’s next game will take place on Christmas Eve. Jefferson will thus be able to give fans a very special Christmas gift: overcoming Moss’s record while pushing his team to a sterling 12-3 record.
After 14 games, Justin Jefferson is 1st in the NFL in catches, 1st in receiving yards, and tied for 7th in touchdowns.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
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