Minnesota has relied on the two-pronged attack of Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen for much of 2021.
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has done a good job of finding his top wideout targets in advantageous positions like man coverage, for example. According to PFF, Thielen and Jefferson have the highest passer rating when targeted in man coverage this year.
Thielen is first in the league with a passer rating of 143.4 while in man coverage. Jefferson’s mark of 140.9 ranks him second in the league. Surprisingly, Kendrick Bourne of the New England Patriots ranks third in the NFL with a passer rating of 140.2 while targeted.
Highest passer rating when targeted vs man coverage:
🥇 Adam Thielen – 143.4
🥈 Justin Jefferson – 140.9
🥉 Kendrick Bourne – 140.2📸: @Vikings pic.twitter.com/7tB1FPiAZE
— PFF (@PFF) December 11, 2021
Thielen, who was dealing with an ankle injury, had to sit out Week 14 against the Steelers. The Vikings had K.J. Osborn step up: he finished with 83 receiving yards and a touchdown. But Osborn is not Thielen —the Vikings need their top-two wide receivers to stay healthy. Hopefully for the team, Thielen can make a speedy return.