Inside The Vikings

Vikings' Justin Jefferson: 'Even when I'm doubled, I'm still open'

Jefferson wants Sam Darnold to continue trusting him to make plays in tough spots.
Will Ragatz|
Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates his touchdown reception during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates his touchdown reception during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson had a cornerback covering him and a safety helping over the top as he released on a deep route in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Giants. Sam Darnold threw it anyways, and the result was a 44-yard gain that sparked the Vikings' offense during a 99-yard touchdown drive.

That's exactly what Jefferson wants to see from his new quarterback. The Vikings' superstar has tried to instill confidence in Darnold to trust him and give him chances to make plays even when he's receiving significant defensive attention (which is usually the case).

"I feel like that's gonna be something that we need throughout the season, just giving him that confidence, giving him that juice to throw me a ball whenever it's double (coverage), because I was doubled during that play," Jefferson said after the Vikings' 28-6 victory. "Him throwing it to a spot and me going to get it, that's gonna happen a majority of the time during the season."

"He gotta understand, even when I'm doubled, I’m still open and I'm gonna make a play," Jefferson added. "Him just having that confidence to throw me a ball like that, it's gonna happen time and time again throughout the season. I just hope that he continues to have that confidence in me to throw those types of passes."

Over the course of his career, Jefferson has certainly proven to be more than capable of making difficult catches with one or more defenders in the area. It'll be important for Darnold to find the right balance this season. Jefferson should basically always lead the Vikings in targets, but Darnold also has to make the right reads and get others involved when they're open.

This was a fairly quiet day for Jefferson, who finished with four catches for 59 yards and a touchdown on six targets. The Vikings were leading by multiple scores for most of the game, which meant they could lean on the running game. Starting next week against the 49ers, Jefferson should be in line for major volume as the Vikings look to take down some quality teams.

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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