Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson did not look like himself against the Baltimore Ravens.
Jefferson looked dejected and lacked effort in a 27-19 loss where J.J. McCarthy proved erratic in his accuracy and threw two interceptions when targeting Jefferson. Jefferson caught just four of 12 targets for 37 yards in what was arguably one of the worst games of his career.
McCarthy and Jefferson’s connection has come into question with Jefferson currently leading the NFL in interceptions when targeted with six on the season.
Asked after the game how he handles the ups and downs that are common when playing with young quarterbacks, Jefferson made his feelings known that he’s focused on moving forward with McCarthy.
“Just going back to work,” Jefferson said. “Of course, giving him that motivation and giving those words to keep going keep fighting, not let the bad plays affect him. It falls on us as a whole offense.”
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Addresses Body Language in Loss to Ravens
GettyVikings receiver Justin Jefferson
As the game worn on, many fans on social media asked if there was something wrong with Jefferson.
The oft-electric superstar receiver looked sluggish and lacked enthusiam or any sense of urgency on both interception returns by the defense that saw him as the closest offensive player.
Jefferson said he felt fine physically but was clearly dissappointed with how the game went.
“I felt like I was okay physically,” he said. “The ball didn’t really find my hand today. That’s a part of football that’s a part of our life. it’s tough to get those opportunites and you got to make the most of those.”
Jefferson shared some responsibility for his poor outing, but McCarthy also struggled with controlling the ball, sailing several passes over Jefferson’s head.
McCarthy completed 20 of 42 pass attempts (47.6%) for 248 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Vikings, JJ McCarthy Offense Can’t Overcome Historic Miscues
Beyond McCarthy and Jefferson’s disconnection on Sunday, the Vikings offense had a historically poor performance operationally, committing eight false start penalties — one shy of the NFL record nine penalties committed by the Chicago Bears in 2011.
The Carolina Panthers committed that many false starts in 2023 with then-rookie quarterback Bryce Young.
While McCarthy has shown command of the offense in his previous three starts, the Ravens may have muddled McCarthy’s cadence.
“Sometimes it’s hard to hear,” Vikings running back Aaron Jones said. “They’re making ‘move calls’ up front, so sometimes it sounds like it could be J.J. [saying], ‘Set hut,’ but they’re making move calls and you see them stem and so they’re trying to get them to jump as well.”
Asked if the Ravens were playing a game with snap counts, Jones said: “Yeah, they’re playing a little game there, too. So that’s what they get paid to do. And we just got to lock in a little more.”
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, “NFL rules prohibit the use of ‘acts or words by the defensive team that are designed to disconcert an offensive team at the snap.’
However, it can be difficult for officials to discern what is a dummy call from the defense and what is genuine, making it a rare penalty during games.
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