The Minnesota Vikings have been winning with their defense. But that doesn’t mean Justin Jefferson hasn’t played a role. That’s true even though Kevin O’Connell admitted regret after the failed trick play involving Jefferson against the Saints.
It was too much, according to a post on X by Kevin Seifert.
“Goodness. Vikings are moving the ball on the ground and decide to go with a throwback pass from Justin Jefferson to Kyler Murray. Very fortunate that wasn't a turnover. Kevin O'Connell (on Monday): ‘It was an aggressive play call and looking back on it, I didn't particularly like the call. So I put that on me.’ ”
The Vikings still won, holding off the Saints for a 23-13 victory. That moved their record to 5-0 on the season.
Vikings offense trying to keep up with defense
Part of the reason the Vikings found a way to win despite some miscues was the play of quarterback Kyler Murray. And Murray seems to like his mesh with Jefferson, according to Heavy.com.
“It’s my first full game with him, but I’ve seen in spurts throughout my time here why he’s one of a kind,” Murray said. “To see it live today, with a catch like that, triple coverage around him, no flinch, just focus and elite ball skills – it was a hell of a catch. The team needed it.”
And Jefferson turned the praise back on Murray.
Article Continues Below“The off-schedule plays he made scrambling and using his feet to create first downs and build momentum were definitely big for us,” Jefferson said. “When a play doesn’t look like much, but he’s making something out of nothing, that goes a long way for us.”
Also helping the offensive cause has been running back Aaron Jones, according to fox9.com.
“He’s responded in a way that it’s hard to put into words the toughness. He’s been an absolute pro, a warrior. And I’m so thankful we have Aaron Jones on our team,” O’Connell said.