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KOC Defends Justin Jefferson’s Lackluster Game
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- KOC Defends Justin Jefferson’s Lackluster Game
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
When the Minnesota Vikings raced out to a 10-3 lead against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, things looked pretty good. From that point forward Jim Harbaugh's team paddled Kevin O'Connell's to the tune of a 24-9 beatdown.
There were a lot of things that went wrong on Sunday . Most of them were self-inflicted, and O'Connell knows both he and his group has to be better. When looking at Justin Jefferson though, it wasn't the superstar wideout at fault, but instead outside circumstances.
Asked about Justin Jefferson's body language Sunday, Kevin O'Connell said "there was some frustration" related to officiating calls. O'Connell said "I have no concerns with Justin" and said, if anything, the Vikings need to find ways to keep him fresher on game day.
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— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 10, 2025
Justin Jefferson's attitude didn't bother Kevin O'Connell
On Sunday the MN Vikings got the full young quarterback experience. J.J. McCarthy completed just 20-of-42 passes, and his two interceptions were effectively arm punts. Both balls were thrown to Justin Jefferson though, and the superstar wide receiver did his quarterback no favors on or after either of them.
INTERCEPTION @starks_malaki !!!!
Tune in on FOX. pic.twitter.com/S0dsZXbIlp— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 9, 2025
MARLON HUMPHREY INTERCEPTION!!!!
TUNE IN ON FOX. pic.twitter.com/heIHiV6VD0— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 9, 2025
Decision making on the first throw was questionable at best, while the second was reflective of an unfortunate trip. In neither instance did Jefferson care about continuing the play (even though the refs got the tackle on the first right). That was hardly his only missteps of the day though.
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Jefferson couldn't haul in an absolute dart of a ball from his young quarterback, and he hauled in just 4-of-12 targets. There were multiple throws from McCarthy that didn't put Jefferson in a position to succeed, but he made his frustration known to the signal caller much more than the referees.
2 of Justin Jefferson's 4 catches were screens. The other 2 were quick outs. He also drew a DPI.
But here are the misses and his reactions. pic.twitter.com/MgKxIeklmf— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) November 10, 2025
The reality is that there was always going to be a learning process for McCarthy, and neither O'Connell or Jefferson seem immediately capable of understanding that. The former played the first-time starter for a single series in the preseason and pretended that joint practices and mental reps were enough to prepare him. The latter missed all of training camp and has seemingly developed no rapport with the 2024 first round pick.
If the Vikings are going to make use of this expensive roster intended to win now, then McCarthy has to take substantial steps forward quickly. If that is going to happen, then the head coach needs to put him in position to do so, and the star wideout needs to stop pouting and convert on every opportunity he can.
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