Kirk Cousins passes to a crossing Justin Jefferson, who sprints towards the end zone and dives in front of the pylon for the touchdown. The beginning of the story
The Minnesota Vikings could only imagine it. Jefferson ran wild through the Green Bay Packers secondary on his way to the best game of his career.
Jefferson had nine catches for a career-best 184 yards and two touchdown as the Vikings beat the Packers. It was the nature of Jefferson's catches that made them so amazing.
When Jefferson had at least 3.0 yards of separation, he gained 138 of his receiving yards on plays. There was not a defender within 10 yards of him when he hauled in a 64 yard reception.
Jefferson thought someone was going to tackle him. I thought Jaire Alexander ran with me. He was not present. I'm glad I got into the end zone because it shook me up.
The Vikings were playing their first game in Kevin O'Connell's scheme, and Jefferson said he expected to see the usual double teams and cloud coverages he has grown accustomed to. He was surprised that Alexander was not asked to follow him in coverage.
Alexander was shocked. Alexander made a zipping-the-lips motion when he was asked about the potential match-up. It's not about me. The focus is on the team. It's not about me, that's for sure. You know what I'd be doing if it was my way.
The scheme was partly to blame. It was hard to find Jefferson because he lined up all over the field. Jefferson took 41 snaps on the outside, 12 in the slot and two in the backfield. He was the only player in the last seven seasons to accumulate at least 90 yards from both the slot and the outside.
Jefferson had a 5-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter and went into pre-snap motion on seven snaps.
Jefferson likes the motioning and seeing the whole field. I'm pretty sure I'll do it more.
Rob Demovsky was a contributor.
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