Justin Jefferson has experienced his longest stretch without reaching 100 receiving yards in his career, going four straight games for the Minnesota Vikings. He’s definitely aware of it.
“I’m definitely sick of having these 80, 90-yard games. I definitely have to get over that hump of 100 yards. That’s definitely my plan,” Jefferson said on Tuesday after practice as the Vikings (5-1) prepared to face the Rams in Los Angeles on Thursday night.
Last season, Jefferson also had four games in a row below 100 yards, but those were split around a serious hamstring injury that kept him out for more than two months.
He left the Week 5 game early due to injury and was limited to just 13 snaps in his Week 14 return after suffering a chest injury that required hospitalization.
With a touchdown catch in five of six games and 531 receiving yards this season, Jefferson has been consistently productive while adjusting to new quarterback Sam Darnold.
His performance has been especially important given the absence of tight end T.J. Hockenson and the earlier missed games by fellow receiver Jordan Addison, which has made it easier for defenses to focus on him.
However, Jefferson, who has gone over 100 yards in 30 out of 66 regular-season games, is currently averaging just 5.5 receptions per game, matching the lowest rate of his five-year career.
“If you see it on tape, the explosive plays are all over the field, not just me. They’re all over the field, and we’ve just got to be dialed in, all 11, to execute those plays and to give Sam a little bit more time,” Jefferson said.
“So it’s going to be one of these games that we’re going to show the world what we’re really capable of, and hopefully it’s Thursday night.”
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has been creating plays and routes to help Jefferson use his skills, speed, and quickness to get open, even though he often faces double coverage from defenders. O’Connell mentioned that he’s seen more holding calls against Jefferson, but not all of them have been flagged.
In the 31-29 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the only pass that didn’t connect with Jefferson was particularly costly. Darnold’s throw on third-and-4 went over Jefferson’s head with 2:41 left in the game.
The Vikings had to punt on the next play, giving the Lions a chance to score a go-ahead field goal with just 15 seconds left. If Darnold had thrown the ball a bit lower, Jefferson likely would have caught it, allowing the Vikings to use the clock and possibly secure a win.
“Just plays being left out there on the field. But it’s no single person’s fault. We all have to be dialed in as a whole entire team,” Jefferson said.
