The Minnesota Vikings staged a major comeback against the Green Bay Packers to get Week 1 started with a win, and Justin Jefferson was a big reason why. Jefferson had eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns as his team stormed back to defeat the Packers, 39-22, giving the fans a thrilling home-opening victory. On Sunday, he'll attempt to feast some more against a Chicago Bears defense that could allow him to seriously go off.
In that game, Jefferson should move past retired NFL legend Randy Moss in the Vikings' record books. Once Jefferson makes a reception, he'll have 588 receptions for his career, the second-most in Minnesota Vikings history. More news: Jahmyr Gibbs Hit With NFL’s Largest Week 1 Fine After Lions’ Loss According to NBC Sports Pro Football Talk, one player sits at the top of that list, and it's another legend, Cris Carter, who had 1,004 receptions in his career to set the all-time Vikings record.
Jefferson is a four-time NFL Pro Bowler and probably enjoys having some new quarterbacks to throw to him. The Vikings relied heavily on JJ McCarthy as QB last season, and that seemed to seriously hold Jefferson back from having great numbers. Some contend the Vikings wasted a season of Jefferson's career due to the QB situation.
This offseason, Minnesota made the significant move to sign Kyler Murray to a short-team deal. Murray debuted against the Packers but took a scary hit on a scramble play from two Packers defenders early in the game. Backup Carson Wentz came in and performed admirably, hooking up Jefferson with big plays, including his touchdowns.
Due to concussion protocol, Murray remains out for Minnesota's road matchup against the Chicago Bears, and Wentz will start. While some might suggest that Murray would be the ideal quarterback for Jefferson to get receptions, yards, and potential touchdowns, he worked just fine with Wentz in that big win over the Packers. Wentz completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Green Bay.
It would also be surprising if Jefferson doesn't get at least one reception against a Bears defense that allowed Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers to throw for 353 passing yards and score 31 points. The Minnesota Vikings face the Chicago Bears at 1 p.m. More news: Kenneth Walker Hit With NFL Discipline for Actions During Chiefs Debut For more about the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
