Justin Jefferson is a perennial First-Team All-Pro receiver. He’s arguably the best downfield threat in the NFL since Randy Moss. So it’s easier said than done to keep your cool when covering a dynamic playmaker like him.
Nonetheless, the Atlanta Falcons’ Dee Alford learned an important lesson on Sunday.
With the Minnesota Vikings trying to extend a 14-13 lead in the late third quarter, Jefferson found himself beyond wide open on a broken coverage. It came to the point where he was raising his hand, calling for the ball while running roughly 30 yards downfield.
In most cases, if Sam Darnold is able to get enough time, Jefferson will probably score a touchdown in these kinds of sequences. That’s just the reality of how the superstar receiver he is. Still, Alford had the worst possible reaction to the broken coverage. That’s because as he saw Jefferson streak open, Alford didn’t do everything in his power to stop him.
Instead, Alford panicked and turned around to cover a phantom receiver, and he fell over and took himself out of the play as Jefferson literally waited for the ball to arrive with no pressure. In terms of “easy” touchdowns, this might be one of the biggest lay-ups in Jefferson’s already illustrious career:
the hand up for eternity. the fall. I'm dying. pic.twitter.com/GbRTi7Htxq
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) December 8, 2024
A note to all defensive backs covering Jefferson in the future: if he’s open, he’s getting the ball. You need not worry about other receivers who aren’t even in the vicinity.