Tag: Justin Jefferson

NFL poll says teams fear Ja’Marr Chase over Vikings’ Justin Jefferson

Justin Jefferson is one of the most feared wide receivers in the NFL, but coaches reportedly fear one player even more than the Vikings star

It’s undeniable that Minnesota Vikings‘ wide receiver Justin Jefferson is one of the best in the position in the NFL- and is on the path to becoming one of the best wide receivers in NFL history. Last week, he broke both the team record and the league record for most receiving yards in a player’s first five seasons. Last season, even though he only played nine games due to injury, he still broke the 1,000-yard mark. His talent is inarguable.

What is arguable, it seems, is just how highly he ranks among his peers and who at the position strikes the most fear in opposing coaches. According to ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler, “Many scouts and coaches believe (Ja’Marr) Chase strikes more fear in opponents because of his big-play ability. He’s validating that belief, which means the price tag only goes up.”

That line was in reference to whether or not the Cincinnati Bengals are going to be willing to give Chase a large contract in the offseason as the Vikings did with Jefferson this previous offseason. On the surface, there’s some merit to that stance, as Chase is in the running for the “Triple Crown” this season, leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.

However, when you look at it a little deeper, the claim of “better big-play ability” doesn’t necessarily hold water — at least with regards to this season. Though Jefferson is trailing Chase in the counting stats, it is Jefferson, and not Chase, who has the edge in yards per reception — 15.5 to 14.5. Jefferson also has the longer longest reception this season, 97 yards to 70, and has more “big play” receptions (receptions of 20+ yards) this season than Chase.

Regardless of whether or not the anonymous scouts and coaches are right, Chase and Jefferson are neck-and-neck for the best receiver in the NFL, and Chase is likely in line for a Jefferson-like payday this offseason, though the team could opt to have Chase play on his fifth-year option and kick the can down the road for another year.

Justin Jefferson passes Randy Moss in Vikings record books in Week 11

On Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was able to pass Randy Moss in the team’s record books.

On Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was able to pass Randy Moss in the team’s record books. He did so on a 31-yard reception in the first half on a scoring drive for the team.

Justin Jefferson passed Randy Moss, who had 6,743 receiving yards in his first five seasons with the team, for the most receiving yards by a player in Vikings history.

Jefferson has worked his way up the Vikings’ all-time receiving yard ranks as well this season. He recently passed Adam Thielen and now has his eyes on Anthony Carter, who is ahead of him.

For now, though, his prize will have to be finally passing Randy Moss in a Vikings statistical category. If he keeps things up, he should pass all-time in franchise receiving yards within the next two to three years.

Ja’Marr Chase shares fun detail about friendship with Justin Jefferson

As a result, the two All-Pro wide receivers were and remain best friends, but their relationship In season is rather unique. 

Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson were teammates together at LSU and were a part of one of if not the best, seasons in college football history. Several offensive records were broken, and both of them played a major role in that being the reason why.

As a result, the two All-Pro wide receivers were and remain best friends, but their relationship In season is rather unique.

On Thursday, Chase spoke to the media and was asked about why he and Jefferson don’t talk to each other during the season. His response was rather comical saying “He’s just too big-time for me, man. He just don’t respond to me, bro.”

Of course, he said this with a laugh and a big smile, but it speaks to how seriously they take their craft. Jefferson and Chase are both the best in the NFL at their positions for a reason. Sacrifices have to be made, and sometimes, friendships are on hold.

One can assume once their seasons are over, they become best friends all over again.

Gimme Him: One player Titans would steal from Vikings

The Tennessee Titans need some help on offense making this an easy target to grab off the Minnesota Vikings’ roster.

Coming off another loss, the Tennessee Titans (2-7) will return home to take on the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium.

That, of course, provides those of us here at Titans Wire the opportunity to hypothetically steal from the Vikings’ roster in search of depth and/or talent upgrades. Although a solid core is in place, the Titans could use an influx of talent on all levels, and the Vikings offer a variety of players that could improve the roster. 

If healthy, offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw would be extremely tempting. He is a left tackle, but his presence could allow JC Latham to take hold of the right tackle position, which would solidify the unit. Unfortunately, he is out and on injured reserve, knocking him out of consideration. 

Quarterback Sam Darnold, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel are also potential targets, but one player outshines all of them: wide receiver Justin Jefferson. 

Yes, wide receiver Calvin Ridley is starting to become more of a weapon with the Titans, but Jefferson is that much better. Since entering the league as a first-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft, he has developed into arguably the top wide receiver in the game. His combination of athleticism, size, and route-running ability makes him a coverage nightmare, and all he does is make plays. 

With the Titans, he would give Will Levis a second game-breaking receiver, allowing the team to attack teams both vertically and horizontally. When coupled with a dynamic running game behind Tony Pollard, the offense would start to show a lot more potential. 

What are your thoughts, Titans fans? Would you pick Justin Herbert or steal an entirely different player from the Minnesota Vikings?

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Vikings made unique history on Sunday against the Jaguars

It was a weird game from all levels on Sunday.

Minnesota moved to 7-2 on the season after taking down the Jaguars in Jacksonville, 12-7. It was a unique game for the Vikings for multiple reasons. Quarterback Sam Darnold threw three interceptions and the Vikings still won the game without their star rookie kicker, Will Reichard.

But the main reason why the win was so unique was because teams were 0-147 since 2010 if they had three turnovers or more paired with zero touchdowns scored. Minnesota is the first team to win a game like this since Green Bay took down the Vikings back in 2006.

All three of Darnold’s interceptions came when he was looking toward start receiver Justin Jefferson. Darnold was locked in on his main target and forced throws his way.

But behind the leg of John Parker Romo and Brian Flores’ defense, the Vikings prevailed against a Jaguars team that was down Trevor Lawrence. Former New England quarterback Mac Jone might have helped the Vikings out as well.

Justin Jefferson passes Adam Thielen for No. 4 all-time in Vikings receiving yards

The Vikings WR continues to climb the ladder as the he makes his first catch of the day against the Jaguars in Week 10.

With his first catch of the day on Sunday, Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson passed Adam Thielen and moved into fourth for all-time receiving yards with Minnesota. Jefferson was sitting at 6,687 yards following his first grab of the day against Jacksonville.

Jefferson is now behind Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and Anthony Carter. Carter, the next man in line, had 7,636 yards as a Viking and Jefferson is well on his way to passing the former Viking legend.

The Vikings got things started quickly after holding the Jaguars on their first series. Then Minnesota went down for a field goal, but Minnesota allowed Mac Jones to lead the Jaguars down the field for a score. Sam Darnold turned the ball over, and the Vikings found themselves down 7-3 to the Jaguars.

Minnesota will need a bigger game from Jefferson, who has just two catches on the day against the Jaguars. Minnesota has struggled to get much of anything going on the offensive side.

Jaguars HC Doug Pederson has a simple answer for what makes Sam Darnold better

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson spoke to the media about the matchup before he was asked a simple question to which he gave a simple answer.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Minnesota Vikings faceoff on Sunday in a Week 10 matchup. Jaguars coach Doug Pederson spoke to the media about the matchup before he was asked a simple question to which he gave a simple answer.

When asked what has allowed for Sam Darnold to turn things around this season, Pederson gave a simple answer: “Justin Jefferson.”

To his credit, Pederson did laugh after giving the answer and went on to credit the coaching staff led by Kevin O’Connell and the scheme they are executing. The answer of Jefferson though perhaps was a glimpse into the truth that teams around the league feel about him.

The All-Pro wide receiver is on pace for a monster season with Darnold. Through nine weeks he is pacing for 102 catches, 1,663 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. Of course, he makes anyone he plays with better, but Darnold plays a part in Jefferson’s production, as much as Jefferson helps out Darnold.

Vikings’ trade for Cam Robinson could be exactly what all sides need

In trading for now former Jacksonville Jaguars LT Cam Robinson, each side of the trade could be getting exactly what they need going forward

The Minnesota Vikings surprised many by pulling off a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to address their sudden need for a left tackle. The deal has the Vikings trading away a 2026 fifth-round pick that can escalate to a fourth, depending on playing time.

In exchange, the Vikings get somewhat of a reclamation project in left tackle Cam Robinson, along with a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick – one that can go away depending on playing time.

The trade is a rare example of the kind of low-risk, high-reward deal that, if the season continues to go well for the Vikings, could wind up being great for every party involved. For the Jaguars’ part, they get a disgruntled player off their hands and get a day-three pick in 2026 in exchange – but will likely have to pay some of Robinson’s $10 million remaining salary to do so.

As for the Vikings, they get some immediate help at a sudden position of need. With starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw tearing his ACL and MCL in the Thursday night loss to the Rams, the Vikings suddenly had a huge hole to fill at a vital position.

Robinson hasn’t been great during his eight-year career with the Jaguars, but he has been serviceable – when he’s been in the lineup. That caveat has been the biggest rub on Robinson the past few years. Robinson hasn’t played a full season – whether it be due to injury, suspension, or benching – since 2020 and only once in his career.

Robinson’s benching last week with the Jaguars continued that trend into this season. That benching was—most likely—the final straw in the relationship between the teams and the impetus for this trade from the Jaguars’ end.

For Robinson, he gets a chance to rehab his image in the league’s eye for his next stop. In all likelihood, Robinson is little more than a rental for the Vikings for the remainder of the season, not a long-term option for the team.

Robinson is in the last year of the deal he signed with the Jaguars, and while Darrisaw won’t return this season, there’s little reason to believe he won’t be back to at or near his usual form for next season.

What Robinson gets is a chance to audition for 30 other teams – as he’s unlikely to return to the Jaguars in free agency – on a team that has exceeded expectations this season despite the two-game losing streak.

Robinson gets to be a lynchpin on an offensive line that protects one of the league’s leading passers in Sam Darnold, a good running back in Aaron Jones, and has weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and soon the return of tight end T.J. Hockenson.

If Robinson can hold up on the offensive line, and the Vikings can make the playoffs with Robinson as their left tackle, he could see a lucrative free agency in his future. There are a number of concerns hovering around Robinson, but a good close to the season on a good team could erase many of them.

Justin Jefferson’s catch of the year looked even more incredible up close

This is the NFL catch of the year so far.

Minnesota Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the best at his position in the NFL for a reason.

During Thursday night’s away game against the Los Angeles Rams, Jefferson came down with what is easily the catch of the year so far.

In the game’s third quarter, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold found Jefferson in the red zone for a possible long gain.

The wide receiver bobbled the football with one hand and somehow still came down with it inbounds on the other side of his body despite tight coverage from Rams cornerback Darious Williams.

The close-up look at the play shows just how stunning Jefferson’s catch was and how difficult it was for him to corral it with Williams in coverage.

Jefferson is the best wideout doing it right now, and plays like this just make you marvel at how great he really is.

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WATCH: Justin Jefferson makes circus catch against the Rams

The Vikings’ star receiver makes another insane grab.

Justin Jefferson is now over 100 yards and it’s just halfway through the third quarter on Thursday Night Football.

During the first possession of the third quarter for the Vikings, Sam Darnold found his favorite weapon down the sideline facing man coverage. Darnold lobbed Jefferson the ball who bobbled it a couple of times, had to re-adjust his position, and finally came down with the ball in a circus-type catch.

Minnesota couldn’t punch the ball in for a touchdown following Jefferson’s catch, but the Vikings did get on the board with a Will Reichard kick. The Vikings are currently up 17-14 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Jefferson has a game-high eight catches for 115 yards. Darnold has thrown for 173 yards and two scores so far in the game.

The Vikings’ defense did intercept Matt Stafford on the Rams’ first possession of the second half. Minnesota will need to remain strong against Stafford who has picked the Vikings’ secondary apart with Puka Nacua back in the lineup.