Getty Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates on the field after defeating the Green Bay Packers 23-7 at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers‘ fiercest rivals may have unwittingly paid their divisional foes a compliment.
Following his team’s devastating 41-17 loss on New Year’s Day, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson made a surprising prediction while expressing his frustration at being swarmed by the NFC north champions from the opening kickoff.
“We are probably going to see this team in the playoffs, so I guess we’ll see then,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson Made Comments About Packers Over Frustration With CB Jaire Alexander
GettyCornerback Jaire Alexander (left) of the Green Bay Packers does the Griddy during the first quarter of a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on January 1, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Jefferson’s comments were in response to a reporter’s questions about cornerback Jaire Alexander performing the griddy on the field during the first quarter, which Jefferson said should have warranted a taunting call. The popular dance is the wideout’s signature touchdown celebration.
Green Bay’s secondary got the better of Jefferson and the rest of Minnesota’s receiving corps, holding the three-time Pro Bowler to just one catch for 15 yards.
The victory was the fourth in a row for the Packers, and second straight against an opponent with a winning record. Green Bay is now 8-8 on the season, putting their post-season fate squarely in their own hands.
The Packers will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football on January 8, needing a victory to earn the NFC’s final Wildcard berth into the postseason.
Aaron Rodgers Speaks Out on Special Season, Calls Out Disbelievers
GettyQuarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers waits for a timeout during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on January 1, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose commitment to the franchise had been questioned throughout the season, spoke after the win Sunday of his shortcomings over the last several months and what this season has meant to him.
It feels really special, it does. It’s been an interesting year. It hasn’t been my best football at times, but I’ve been asked to step up my leadership and be someone the guys can count on to keep it together, even when it doesn’t seem like there’s anything to play for or we don’t have a chance to make a run. There’s been a lot of special moments throughout the year.
It didn’t look great for a while, and I was resigned to some of those realities being possible. And when I took my mind there, I had a peace about it. … I had faith, much like at 4-6, I think, in [the 2016 season]. Sometimes you’ve got to fool yourself a little bit into believing a little bit more.
Rodgers also included some comments for Green Bay’s detractors.
“We’re becoming a more dangerous team. And you know, we’ve all seen some of the commentary outside [as we won four games in a row], and nobody’s worried about the Packers, and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,” Rodgers said. “Now what are they gonna say?”