In an effort to overcome recent offensive struggles, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings is focused on mentally returning to his peak performance ahead of Sunday”s matchup against the Chicago Bears. Over the past four games, Jefferson has notably underperformed, accumulating just 237 receiving yards. This figure is nearly equal to his total from Weeks 4 and 5, where he recorded 249 yards.
Adapting to new rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Jefferson has averaged 76.2 yards per game during McCarthy”s four starts. At a press conference on Thursday, the four-time Pro Bowler stressed that it is his responsibility to mentally transition back to the level he achieved in 2022, when he set a career-high of 1,809 receiving yards and earned the AP Offensive Player of the Year award. “Mentally, just wanting to get back into that mode,” Jefferson explained. “I like to say savage mode. Just going out there and killing it, not worrying about the plays or anything else I can”t control. Doing everything I can control and making the most of my opportunities.” He added, “I felt like I was on a different level. Just try to work back into that.”
This season, Jefferson has tallied 686 yards, ranking eighth in the NFL, with an average of 13.5 yards per reception, along with two touchdowns. The Vikings head into Week 11 with the league”s 22nd-ranked passing offense, averaging 197.8 yards per game. They will face a Bears defense that is currently 26th in passing defense, allowing an average of 240.3 yards.
In their previous encounter, Jefferson had a minimal impact, finishing with 44 yards on six targets, although he did score a touchdown. However, given the Bears” recent struggles against the pass, the two-time All-Pro receiver could play a crucial role in helping the Vikings secure their fifth win of the season and improve to .500 (5-5).
Currently, the Vikings” playoff chances stand at 15%, but a victory on Sunday could elevate that to 21%. Head coach Kevin O”Connell downplayed concerns regarding Jefferson”s frustrations, noting that such feelings are part of the game. “There was some frustration,” O”Connell remarked, “and maybe with not having a couple calls go his way from a referee standpoint, but that”s all part of the game. He”s so competitive. But I have no concerns with Justin.” Jefferson”s return to form may hinge on establishing a stronger connection with McCarthy before the upcoming game.
