Latest performance puts Justin Jefferson in elite company
When Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson laid out a personal goal of 2,000 receiving yards in 2022, it seemed the third-year wideout was being a bit hyperbolic.
But after Jefferson’s performance in the Vikings’ 23-7 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, it’s possible he could be taking down a few records in his pursuit.
Jefferson tallied nine receptions for a career-best 184 yards and two touchdowns in the win, becoming just the second player in NFL history with at least five games of 150 yards or more at 23 or younger, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
The only player with more such games is former Vikings great Randy Moss, who had six.
Jefferson credited first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell’s new offensive system for his success against the Packers' secondary. O’Connell moved Jefferson around the lineup, giving him 41 snaps on the outside, 12 in the slot, and two out of the backfield. Ninety-three of his total yards came from plays on the outside and another 91 came from plays in the slot.
"That's the thing that I like about our offense; we move so much, we have so many players on our offense, that you can't really stick with one player," Jefferson told reporters after the game.
"We're just going to keep getting better. …I feel like we're more confident in this offense. Confident to give the ball to whoever on the field. It's crazy that we have this type of receiver corps and running backs room.”
Jefferson’s performance was the eighth best single-game performance from a Vikings receiver, and his 158 receiving yards in the first half was also a Vikings franchise record. He also became the fourth-fastest player to 200 career receptions.
It was also the second 100-yard game of his career against the Packers; he totaled eight receptions for 169 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-31 win over Green Bay in Week 11 last season.
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