Justin Jefferson had just finished his weekly lamentation about how opposing defenses always, without fail, change the way they normally play to put their primary focus on him.
A reporter spoke up. He asked Justin how Justin would cover Justin.
“I would do the same,” the Vikings receiver said with a smile. “It’s either let everybody else go off or let Justin go off. I’m going to let everybody else go off.”
Despite the steady diet of two-high safety looks, double coverages and safeties over the top, Jefferson still ranks second in the league in yards receiving (912), tied for ninth in touchdowns (five) and 10th in catches (59).
He needs 88 yards for his fifth 1,000-yard season in five years in the league. He led the league in receiving yards in 2022 (1,809), when he was unanimous Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He’s trailing only former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase in yards (1,056) and admits that the stats are important to him.
“I feel like every receiver who is performing at a high pace wants to lead the league in receiving yards, touchdowns and catches,” said Jefferson, whose career average of 97.3 yards per game in an all-time NFL record. “It’s not something that we’re trying to go out and strive for every single week, but just being a top receiver in this league, of course I normally get targeted throughout the game.
“It’s about making the most of my opportunities. Getting yards after the catch. Everyone wants to be the No. 1 receiver in this league.”
Oliver out, Darnold full-go
Quarterback Sam Darnold, who was limited in practice Wednesday because of a foot injury, was full-go in Thursday’s practice. Meanwhile, tight end Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle) did not practice for the second day in a row.