The Minnesota Vikings offense looked out of sorts in a Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which saw Justin Jefferson held in check despite J.J. McCarthy‘s best efforts to get his star receiver the ball.
McCarthy’s 12 targets to Jefferson amounted to just four catches for 37 yards. Two of those throws went for interceptions as Jefferson stumbled on a deep throw in the third quarter and saw his route jumped by Malaki Starks in the second quarter.
Camera shots throughout the 27-19 loss captured Jefferson looking both frustrated and disinterested at times. His effort was called into question on both of the interceptions thrown his way.
Many fans took to social media with concerns about the Vikings star receiver.
Vikings Fans Grow Concerned Over Justin Jefferson for Lack of Effort in Loss to Ravens
After the game, many fans and analysts shared their thoughts on X about Jefferson’s behavior during the game.
“What’s up with Justin Jefferson today,” was the question on everyone’s mind.
“Justin Jefferson is having one of his worst games as [a] Minnesota Viking,” a Vikings X account, “The Purple Persuasion,” posted.
“Also he’s literally making ZERO effort to tackle the defense after an interception,” one fan replied.
Looks like he keeps giving up every play,” a second fan wrote.
“He definitely doesn’t look like he wants to be there,” a third fan echoed.
It was a tough outing for McCarthy, who completed just 50% of his throws, and while he was errant and off-target at times, several throws to Jefferson were on the money and could have tilted the game.
“Justin Jefferson has not helped JJ McCarthy one bit this game,” another fan said. “Honestly frustrating.”
Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell Addresses Offensive Miscues
Beyond Jefferson and McCarthy’s missed connections, the Vikings offense looked out of rhythm, committing eight pre-snap penalties.
The Vikings managed to crawl back into the game despite three turnovers and several stalled drives due to the penalties, scoring a touchdown with 3 minutes, 23 seconds left in regulation to cut the deficit to a single possession.
The Vikings got the ball back with 1 minute, 44 seconds left, but failed to put together another scoring drive.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed his feelings about the outcome of the game and carried the burden of the offense’s miscues long after the final play of the game.
“To have the football with a chance to tie the game there at the end was an encouraging thing considering how many things we did we can’t do if we want to beat a good football team like that. The players fought, they tried to overcome some things we did to ourselves,” O’Connell said. “Losing the turnover battle 3-0 and the penalty situation, which we have to get fixed immediately — specifically the eight pre-snap [penalties] — not acceptable in any way. We got to fix it, and we will.”
The Vikings (4-5) face the Chicago Bears (6-3) in Week 11 with a chance to remain undefeated in the NFC North despite being last in the divisional standings.
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