When starting quarterback Kyler Murray exited early with a first-quarter concussion on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings needed veteran backup Carson Wentz to rescue their season opener. Wentz stepped up in a massive way, throwing three touchdown passes to fuel a dramatic 39-22 comeback victory over the division rival Green Bay Packers.
While fans and national analysts showered the veteran quarterback with praise for his heroic effort, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson offered a surprisingly cool reaction. Speaking to reporters after the game, Jefferson admitted he was âÂÂnot really impressedâ with Wentz's big performanceâÂÂnot out of disrespect, but because he fully expected this level of play from the veteran gunslinger.
âÂÂSunday was expected for him to come in and do what he normally does,â Jefferson explained regarding Wentz stepping into the huddle without flinching.
#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson said he was âÂÂnot really impressedâ with Carson WentzâÂÂs performance on Sunday because he knows what heâÂÂs capable of:
âÂÂSunday was expected for him to come in and do what he normally does.â pic.twitter.com/LEiEB5H8Sg
â VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) September 16, 2026
The box score certainly backed up Jefferson's unwavering faith. Wentz finished 12-of-19 passing for 133 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, recording an impressive 123.5 passer rating. His instant chemistry with Jefferson ignited Minnesota's vertical attack, as the All-Pro receiver caught eight of nine targets for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
Their biggest highlight arrived late in the second quarter when Wentz uncorked a 39-yard touchdown bomb down the sideline to Jefferson, trimming Green BayâÂÂs early lead. In the fourth quarter, Wentz connected with Jefferson again for a nine-yard touchdown strike and completed a two-point conversion pass during MinnesotaâÂÂs explosive 29-point second-half surge.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson also got involved, catching a 16-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, while running back Jordan Mason paced the ground game with 15 carries for 59 yards and a rushing score to seal the victory.
JeffersonâÂÂs high expectations speak volumes about the belief inside Minnesota's locker room. If Wentz continues operating with this calm composure while Murray recovers from injury, Minnesota's high-powered offense remains in very capable hands.

