EAGAN, Minn. Justin Jefferson did everything he could to spark a Vikings comeback victory Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Pioneer Press writer Dane Mizutani highlighted Jefferson’s first 100-plus yard game since Week 4.
You almost started to forget how good star receiver Justin Jefferson is after he was out injured for so long. …
In total, Jefferson finished with 6 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown, dazzling everybody in attendance with the way he consistently made an impact. He absorbed massive hits in the open field while still holding onto the ball. He climbed the ladder for an incredible catch when his teammates needed it most. He recovered a fumble late in the game to make a comeback still feel possible.
After the game, quarterback Nick Mullens called Jefferson “a beast.” Tackle Christian Darrisaw said Jefferson is “the best in the world.” Those world-class skills were on full display in Jefferson’s first game at U.S. Bank Stadium since October.
That makes the final play for the offense even harder to stomach in hindsight. In the final minutes, the Vikings trusted Jefferson to win his matchup, and he did with relative ease. He was running in open space with a chance to take the lead, but the ball never got to him. Instead, Mullens decided not to lead Jefferson, which turned into an interception that effectively ended the game.
It certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort on Jefferson’s part.
“He battled,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “This guy is going to leave it all out on the field. That’s what I love about him. He is so tremendously talented, such a competitor, and we’re going to continue to try it feature our best player, regardless of what the defense tries to take away.”
