Justin Jefferson has been more subdued to start the season, despite the Minnesota Vikings going undefeated in their first six games.
Jefferson hasn’t been the offensive juggernaut fans have gotten used to seeing for the Vikings, even though they have been the most successful team in the NFL this season.
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Some fans have been concerned that HC Kevin O’Connell has not been using Jefferson the right way, and this will come back to haunt him later in the season.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Minnesota Vikings’ Monday Night Football clash with the Detroit Lions, WR Justin Jefferson was asked about his reduced role in the offense this season.
While Jefferson would love to start producing at the same level he was during his previous seasons, he values winning more than individual glory, and is ready to play whatever role he needs to keep the winning streak going.
Jefferson said: “Yeah, for sure. I definitely love winning games over having that production. There were definitely years before where I had that production and we were not winning games. It’s definitely an in-between feeling, wanting to be the best player in the league and wanting to have that production, but we’re winning games, we’re the only team undefeated in the league.
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“That is something you kind of have to take initiative in, but you’ve just got to sit back, play my role, and be there whenever those plays do come to me and make the most of it.”
While this selfless attitude is something coaches might appreciate, Vikings fans are concerned Jefferson has lost his individual hunger to be the best player he can be.
One fan wrote: “We all know he is silently just as frustrated as the fans are…”
Another fan added: “His selflessness is noble, but it’s actually making this offense worse…”
A third fan gave Jefferson some advice: “He needs to start b*******. It’s really ridiculous at this point watching all these other wr’s getting all these targets.”
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A fourth fan suggested that JJ needs to be more selfish: “Be a diva and yell at KOC on the sidelines!”
A fifth fan pointed to Jefferson’s stats last season to show how the WR is being wasted: “Jefferson had 84 catches for 1,048 yards and 2 TDs last season, but sure, wins are the only stat that matters.”
And lastly, one Vikings fan sarcastically asked a very pertinent question: “Hey, just a thought here. Maybe our offense sucks because we aren’t getting our best player the football? We didn’t make him the highest-paid receiver ever when he signed his deal to be a role player!”
This season, Jefferson has had 23 catches for 302 yards and has scored 3 touchdowns across five games.
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While these numbers are nothing to write home about, the Vikings have managed to stay undefeated to start the season.
But if the Vikings want to continue their strong run of form, Kevin O’Connell should find a way to get Jefferson more involved in their next games.
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