Vikings fans will love Justin Jefferson's response after a record-setting performance
Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson had a record-setting performance in Sunday’s 34-23 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Lions had no answer for Jefferson all game long. The Vikings’ superstar amassed a franchise record 223 receiving yards on 11 receptions, but the loss soiled an immaculate individual effort. Jefferson passed the legendary Sammy White, […]
Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson had a record-setting performance in Sunday’s 34-23 loss to the Detroit Lions.
The Lions had no answer for Jefferson all game long. The Vikings’ superstar amassed a franchise record 223 receiving yards on 11 receptions, but the loss soiled an immaculate individual effort.
Jefferson passed the legendary Sammy White, who recorded 210 receiving yards against the Lions in 1976 for the most receiving yards in a single game in franchise history.
Had it not been for a miscue from the officiating crew, Jefferson would have finished with even more yards. Kirk Cousins found Jefferson for a 39-yard reception in the fourth quarter, but the officials blew the play dead ruling that Jefferson had stepped out of bounds.
Replay appeared to show Jefferson had remained in bounds, scampering for what should have been a 71-yard touchdown. Had the play been properly officiated, Jefferson would have finished the day with 255 receiving yards.
However, Jefferson was struggling to celebrate the franchise record, along with his new career high, due to the final result.
“It sucks, honestly. Yeah, you would like all of the individual stuff but this is not an individual game,” Jefferson told reporters following the game. “It's about winning. Yeah, I like that I had a good game, but we still got a (loss), and we could have won the division today. We just gotta do better."
Watch Jefferson's postgame interview here.
It’s a mature response from the 23-year-old wideout. Jefferson will have plenty of opportunities to rewrite the record books over his career. Heck, I wouldn’t put it past him to snap his own record sooner rather than later.
The Vikings are looking to finish the regular season on a high note. One loss shouldn’t derail Minnesota’s chances to do just that. Jefferson’s attitude suggests that, no matter what the stats reflect, his ultimate goal is centered around winning.
Featured image via David Reginek – USA TODAY Sports
