US EditionVikings Value Jefferson’s Impact in Rocky Season, Despite His Lagging Production
Despite fewer targets and a rocky offense, Justin Jefferson supports rookie QB J.J. McCarthy and helps maintain team unity, earning praise from coach Kevin O’Connell.
- On Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, the Minnesota Vikings highlighted Justin Jefferson's leadership after their 31-0 home victory, with Kevin O'Connell calling him `elite from a leadership standpoint and character standpoint.`
- With the offense unsettled, J.J. McCarthy, Vikings quarterback, has missed six games, leaving the offense out of sync while Justin Jefferson's 1,000-yard season target is at risk, needing 190 yards over four games.
- Coaches point to Justin Jefferson's intelligence and selflessness as he gave nuanced sideline feedback to J.J. McCarthy and cleared space for T.J. Hockenson's touchdown on Sunday.
- The Vikings travel to Dallas on Sunday night with a chance to change perceptions as national pundits question if Justin Jefferson’s prime years are being squandered; Jefferson said `I always love those prime-time games.`
- Despite criticism, Justin Jefferson has stayed supportive of teammates and values small plays, with coaches seeing his intelligence as key to Vikings locker room cohesion amid statistical scrutiny.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The Daily Republic
Vikings star Justin Jefferson still cares about reaching 1,000 yards
The most recent example of Justin Jefferson handling himself with class amid a frustrating campaign came on Thursday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. Asked about some of his goals for the rest of this season, the Vikings’ receiver didn’t bring up any individual accolades, choosing instead to highlight the importance of Minnesota stacking wins on top of each other. Technically, the Vikings still have a chance to make the playoffs, even if the…
Associated Press News
Vikings value Jefferson's impact in rocky season, despite his lagging production
Justin Jefferson has just four receptions for a paltry 15 yards over the last two games. That puts even a modest 1,000-yard season in jeopardy for the two-time All-Pro whose first six years in the NFL have been as productive and prolific as anyone to ever play the position.
Vikings' Down 2025 Season Came at the Worst Time
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images The Minnesota Vikings are pretty much all but out of the race for the 2025 NFL Playoffs. If you were wondering, yes, they can still sneak in (and I mean SNEAK in) via a path that looks a little something …
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