EAGAN, Minn.
— Justin Jefferson has encountered a rare drought in his receiving yardage for the Minnesota Vikings, experiencing four consecutive games without surpassing the 100-yard mark, the longest such stretch in his impressive career.
His awareness of this pattern is evident.
“I’m definitely sick of having these 80, 90-yard games. I definitely have to get over that hump of 100 yards. That’s definitely my plan,” Jefferson remarked on Tuesday following a practice session as the Vikings (5-1) prepare for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.

Last season, Jefferson had a similar stretch, with four consecutive games under 100 yards, a feat compounded by two separate instances around a severe hamstring injury that kept him off the field for over two months.
Jefferson left the Week 5 match prematurely due to injury and subsequently logged only 13 snaps in his Week 14 return, sustaining a chest injury that necessitated a hospital visit.

This season, Jefferson has made a significant impact, logging touchdowns in five of six games and accumulating 531 receiving yards, averaging fourth in the NFL.
His performance remains consistent, especially in light of the absence of tight end T.J. Hockenson and two missed games by fellow receiver Jordan Addison, which has relieved some pressure from opposing defenses.

Nevertheless, Jefferson, who achieved the 100-yard milestone in 30 of his 66 regular-season games, is averaging just 5.5 receptions per game, matching the lowest average in his five-year tenure in the NFL.
“If you see it on tape, the explosive plays are all over the field, not just me. They’re all over the field, and we’ve just got to be dialed in, all 11, to execute those plays and to give Sam a little bit more time,” Jefferson shared on the potential for a big game. “So it’s going to be one of these games that we’re going to show the world what we’re really capable of, and hopefully it’s Thursday night.”

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell continues to design plays that leverage Jefferson’s sharp intellect, swift agility, and speed, consistently creating opportunities for him to find open space despite defenders often employing double coverages.
O’Connell noted that Jefferson has been subjected to increased holding by opposing players, some of which are penalized and some not.

In the recent 31-29 setback against the Detroit Lions, the only missed pass to Jefferson proved particularly consequential.
Darnold’s overthrown third-and-4 attempt toward him, just 2:41 remaining in the game, was a critical moment.
The Vikings subsequently had to punt, handing the Lions a chance to orchestrate a game-winning drive capped off by a field goal with only 15 seconds to spare.
Had the ball been placed just a few inches lower, Jefferson would likely have secured the catch, possibly changing the outcome significantly.
“Just plays being left out there on the field. But it’s no single person’s fault. We all have to be dialed in as a whole entire team,” Jefferson concluded, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the team.