Justin Jefferson burst onto the scene with the Minnesota Vikings and torched record books upon his arrival. Jefferson joined fellow Viking Randy Moss as the only two players to reach 8,000 yards before the age of 27. Although Jefferson reached that mark faster than Moss, he added to his resume as the fastest to 6,000 yards with the most receiving yards in NFL history through a receiver's first three seasons. Oh, he also has the most 150-plus receiving yard games through his first four seasons.

During the 2020 season, it would take Week 3 for Jefferson to introduce himself to the NFL world with seven catches, 175 yards, and a touchdown. With 1,400 yards in his rookie season, Jefferson set the NFL record for receiving yards as a rookie before his LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase broke it the very next season. 

The lowest receiving yard season for Jefferson came in 2023, following a massive 1,809-yard season. In nine games played, due to injury, Jefferson still finished over 1,000 yards. Last season, with Sam Darnold under center, the former LSU receiver finished with 1,533 yards. Darnold would walk for the Seattle Seahawks, but the plan was to turn the offense and future over to former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2025.

Suffice to say, things haven't gone as well with the second-year quarterback in command. Sure, McCarthy suffered an injury and Carson Wentz took over before his season ended with an injury, but McCarthy was ready to return regardless. Between the two quarterbacks, Jefferson is averaging a career-low 13.8 yards per catch and 81.1 yards per game. So, what has been the issue with the best wide receiver in the NFL?

The struggles of McCarthy, coupled with some unfortunate luck, have led to frustration from Jefferson, coach Kevin O' Connell, and the fans, who are used to watching Jefferson light up defenses on Sundays. The first place to point is the deep area of the field. Jefferson has hauled in four catches on 18 targets over 20-plus yards. The deep shots have just not connected for the big-play receiver in 2025. 

Last week was the perfect encapsulation of Jefferson's 2025 season. O'Connell dialed up two deep shots against the Baltimore secondary, and both were intercepted. The first was just a flat-out bad throw from McCarthy, and the second saw Jefferson stumble before the throw was easily intercepted. O'Connell had to defend the second deep shot as it came on third and one in the third quarter. The Vikings coach explained the idea had worked before in 2023 for a long Jefferson touchdown. The problem is, this isn't 2023, and McCarthy's development has been a rough go so far. 

However you slice it, Jefferson has to be involved, and 37 receiving yards is unacceptable. While Jefferson has thrived in the ten to 19 yard area (20 catches, 332 yards, and both of his touchdowns), the Vikings offense seems content throwing the football to Jefferson behind the line of scrimmage and hoping the LSU receiver can make players miss for explosive gains. On 12 targets behind the LOS, Jefferson has 12 catches for 93 yards. It's always good to make an effort to involve your best player, but this utilization shouldn't be the primary way. 

Sunday feels like a perfect "squeaky wheel" game for Jefferson against a soft Chicago secondary. Jefferson says he wants to get back to his 2022 self and go "savage mode" on social media. High percentage throws off play action feel like the first place to start, but that can come with establishing the run only. I'm predicting a get-right game for Jefferson. The Vikings desperately need it, and it could be a "see the ball go through the hoop" moment for McCarthy and Jefferson.