So, When Is It Justin Jefferson’s Turn?
Last week, Justin Jefferson was held down against the Chicago Bears. He laughed about the performance because everyone else ate. Jordan Addison went wild, and T.J. Hockenson surpassed triple digits. At what point does it become the Vikings superstar’s turn again?
So, When Is It Justin Jefferson’s Turn?
Against the Chicago Bears, Justin Jefferson tallied just 27 yards on two receptions. He was targeted five times, but Sam Darnold couldn’t find him. The Bears made a concerted effort to double and triple-team him while also interfering with him and actively taking him to the ground.
When you’re the best wide receiver in the NFL, this sort of thing is certain to happen. Jefferson has continued to break records, and he remains the greatest weapon Minnesota employs. Every team knows this, and everyone sells out to take him away. At some point, the opposition has to get sick of being burned by everyone else.
Jefferson last surpassed 100 yards against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. He has just three triple-digit games this season, and there have been multiple lackluster performances since the last one. None of them directly reflects Jefferson and the defense has keyed in on his existence. The Arizona Cardinals don’t present a formidable secondary, and Darnold should be looking to get him back in the action.
It’s relatively crazy that Jefferson ranks second in receiving yardage this season. Ja’Marr Chase has seemed to put up gaudy numbers more often than not. Consistency has been the key for Jefferson, but he has rarely been a standout. There will and needs to be a game like that in the future, and there is a new opportunity each additional week.
Minnesota should beat the Cardinals on Sunday, but they can make it a laugher if Jefferson goes off. Although Jefferson has already tied his 2023 output with five touchdowns, he can significantly expand upon that mark. Jordan Addison found paydirt plenty last year, with multiple quarterbacks not close to Sam Darnold’s ability.
Kevin O’Connell will continue to scheme Jefferson into positive scenarios the rest of the year, but if he can capitalize, it will be a byproduct of the defense. Darnold needs to force some of those scenarios but must avoid another Jacksonville retread. The Vikings star has an opportunity to regain the overall league lead, but he’ll need a show-out performance or two to make it happen.
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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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