Vikings WR Justin Jefferson throws major shade at Packers star ahead of Sunday's border battle
It's always a contentious battle between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers face off, but wide receiver Justin Jefferson decided to pour gas on the fire. After practice on Thursday, Jefferson was asked about the game, specifically about the matchup with cornerback Jaire Alexander with some strong words. The two didn't play against each […]
It's always a contentious battle between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers face off, but wide receiver Justin Jefferson decided to pour gas on the fire.
After practice on Thursday, Jefferson was asked about the game, specifically about the matchup with cornerback Jaire Alexander with some strong words. The two didn't play against each other last year with each player missing a game.
"Yeah, I didn't really care if he played or not last year. I was just more focused on, during that time, we were fighting to get back into the playoffs. To make our run. That's something I was looking forward to. I don't really care about the matchup, honestly. I feel like he cares more than I do. But it is what it is. That's every team. It's no nick nack at Jaire. That's every team in how they scheme against me, and how they try to play me. It doesn't matter if I'm going up against Jaire or the worst corner in the league. It doesn't matter. We have a gameplan, a scheme and a plan to go out there and execute no matter who's guarding me."
Justin Jefferson isn't easily rattled
Jefferson is the kind of player that doesn't let the outside noise get to him. The media spent the entire offseason talking about the possibility of the Vikings trading him because they had yet to sign him to an extension. He didn't care about that and said as such.
That mindset will come into play on Sunday, especially with how much Alexander is trying to get into Jefferson's head. He doesn't quite understand his opponent because it won't work.
"He (Jaire) tries to, he definitely tries to (get in my head). I mean, he reminds me of my big brother. Trying to play the head game. Trying to hit you a little extra, or push you a little extra than normal people do. I understand it's a tactic to get inside my head and to mess up my gameplan and what I'm doing. But it doesn't really work. I understand he has some help over the top sometimes. He likes to do the jump jam. He likes to put hands on (me) to disrupt the route. We have a plan for it, and I can't wait to go up against it honestly."
Jefferson is the best wide receiver in the National Football League and there isn't a single plan that can take him out consistently. That being said, Jefferson has only had 34 catches for 539 yards and four touchdowns in his seven-game career against the Packers, including just two 100+ yard performances.
One of the biggest memories Jefferson has in the rivalry isn't one that Vikings fans want to remember. In week 17 of the 2022 season, Alexander broke up a pass against Jefferson in the first quarter and did the Griddy right over the top of him. Unsurprisingly, that didn't bother Jefferson one bit.
"Yeah, I mean, it is what it is. I think that was week 17 at that point. Just like I said, he likes to do that stuff to get inside someone's head. I'm not really tripping on that. I'm just going to get my get back by Griddy'ing in his endzone. So, I'm not tripping on it at all. I'm excited for the matchup.
Get your popcorn ready for Sunday's matchup. It's gonna be a good one.
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