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There’s always an asterisk by the big numbers allowed by a defense when they were produced by Aaron Rodgers, but LaFleur and the three-time NFL MVP took full advantage of the Vikings’ vulnerabilities while attempting to pass on 35 out of 54 plays. In the two games before that, both losses, the target rate was 40%. In the past two games, both wins, Cousins has sent 54% of his passes toward either Jefferson or Thielen. “It just stresses your defense in a lot of different ways, and then it adds a layer to that when you can move him around,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said.
One of his touchdowns came on an option route he turned into a skinny post after lining up behind Cousins at the snap. Vikings offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has deftly moved Jefferson around the formations, including in the backfield multiple times against the Packers. “He’s always got a smile on his face, is always having fun, but he also knows when to lock in.” He’s just the same guy day in and day out,” pass-catching sidekick Adam Thielen said. “I’m sure he gets frustrated, we all get frustrated, but he never shows it. In the five games the Vikings have won, Jefferson has been targeted 54 times by Kirk Cousins and totaled 634 receiving yards. Justin Jefferson (credit: Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) I think he loves catching the ball and scoring touchdowns. I think he just loves to go play and loves to practice, and I think he loves the limelight, too. “He really doesn’t have any prima donna in him as far as not working in practice or being late or anything like that. He thinks he’s a great player, and he is a great player,” Zimmer said. I don’t think any of this stuff bothers him. With their record evened at 5-5 to take the lead in an especially large and unremarkable crowd of competitors for the NFC’s final two wild-card spots, the Vikings have in Jefferson the type of game-breaking player who can mean the difference between making the playoffs and staying home.
The Vikings would be wise to let their lanky star continue to feast on those high stakes. “I heard him say the other day that he lives for games like this,” coach Mike Zimmer said. His performance on Sunday afternoon was even more audacious: eight catches for 169 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-31 victory over the Packers. I just love playing the game, love the rivalry and love these intense big games,” Jefferson said. Why not carry after him? He’s one of the best in the game. “Just trying to be a legend, trying to make big plays. READ MORE: 'I'm Back': Sylvia Fowles Announces Return To Lynx On Instagram
That was quite the bold statement by Minnesota’s precocious wide receiver, particularly before the Vikings played rival Green Bay. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Justin Jefferson strutted onto the field for pregame warmups wearing a black-and-purple T-shirt bearing the likeness of his Hall of Fame predecessor Randy Moss.