A Measly 10 Yards Stand Between Justin Jefferson and Vikings History
K. Joudry
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Last Saturday, Justin Jefferson set a new career high in both catches and receiving yards. The WR1 is now up to 111 catches and 1623 yards, both of which lead the NFL. While it’s notable that he is already topping his previous career bests, it’s similarly notable that he’s ultra close to overcoming Randy Moss’s single-season receiving record for the Vikings. Indeed, a mere 10 yards are needed for Justin Jefferson and Vikings history.
Justin Jefferson and Vikings History
If you looked at the top 10 receiving yard seasons in Vikings history, you’d quickly notice a trend. Moss and Jefferson dominate the top of the list.
Currently, Moss owns the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 9th best seasons (he also has the 11th). Jefferson, meanwhile, hasn’t done too poorly. In only three seasons, Jefferson has taken hold of the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th spots. As we saw at the top, though, he is a near shoo-in to take over the best ever receiving season in Vikings history.
Keep in mind, folks, that Minnesota is not a team that has lacked high-end receiver talent. Cris Carter, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Jake Reed have all been top players in the NFL. Jefferson has already surpassed them all. If things proceed as expected, he’ll surpass Moss early in Saturday’s game.
The wild thing is that the records likely won’t stop there. Carter holds top spot for most receptions in a Vikings season with 122 (a feat he accomplished twice, once in 1994 and then again in 1995). Jefferson – who currently sits at 111 – seems very likely to take over the top spot in that category, as well.
If there was a Mount Rushmore for Vikings receivers, one has to think that Jefferson would already belong there. Carter and Moss would each get a spot. Jefferson is coming in at 3rd. Beyond them, there’d be room for some vigorous debate. Thielen may be deserving of that fourth and final spot, but Reed would have his supporters.
The Challenge Ahead
Next up is the New York Giants, a surprisingly competitive team. Coming into the season, not too many folks would have predicted a rock-solid 8-5-1 record. Alas, strange things have happened this year, and the Giants are good at playing football for the first time in a long time.
The game is significant for a lot of reasons, but a lot of people will remember it for Justin Jefferson and Vikings history. Indeed, it shouldn’t take too long before we see a new receiving yards leader atop the pile for Minnesota.
Editor’s Note: Information from Stat Muse and Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
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