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Kevin Seifert
EAGAN, Minn. — On Thursday morning, as he perused his social media, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson stumbled upon a post celebrating the best catch of his NFL journey. The clip showcased his sensational one-handed grab on a crucial fourth down against the Buffalo Bills in 2022, igniting nostalgia for a time when he was considered one of the most formidable offensive talents in the league.
This season has proven to be particularly challenging, as the Vikings currently reside at the bottom of the NFC North standings. Following a frustrating 27-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Jefferson expressed his determination to «work back» to the elite performance he displayed in 2022. He aims to return to his so-called «savage mode,» embracing what he calls an «f-it mentality.»
«It’s about going out there and dominating,» he stated, «not being concerned about the plays or anything else.»
Currently, Jefferson averages 76.2 receiving yards per game, placing him ninth in the NFL. However, his output with quarterback J.J. McCarthy has dropped to an average of 4.25 catches and 52.3 yards per game, which is well below his career norms.
In the recent game against the Ravens, McCarthy had two passes intercepted that were intended for Jefferson, with one occurring after he tripped. On both instances, Jefferson seemed disconnected from the play, failing to pursue during the interception return. Overall, he caught only four of the 12 passes thrown his way. Acknowledging the struggle, Jefferson admitted on Thursday that «it definitely wasn’t one of my better performances.»
Despite the less-than-stellar outing, Jefferson vigorously defended his demeanor during the interception returns and throughout the match, clarifying that his frustration does not reflect any deeper issues.
«I want to win,» he emphasized. «I’m not upset with my situation or with my teammates or the play calls. Of course, I’m frustrated after an interception. Should I be happy and chase it down? That’s not how I feel.
«The game’s outcome was a loss, and I was the target on those throws that resulted in picks. Naturally, there’s a lot of emotion involved. Ultimately, I want to win; I’m ultra-competitive, and many outsiders fail to grasp that passionate aspect of the game. Yes, I desire a better outcome, and with the talent we have on offense, I believe we should be performing significantly better.»
Many have been closely observing Jefferson for signs of impatience during what can be a gradual process of quarterback development. However, on Thursday, Jefferson praised McCarthy, calling him «a great player,» adding: «He’s a talented quarterback. He’s a good kid.»
