Justin Jefferson made Carson Wentz’s job easier as the Minnesota Vikings routed the Cincinnati Bengals 48-10 on Sunday.
Jefferson, the team’s star wide receiver, caught five passes for 75 yards as he helped Wentz win his first start as a Viking. Wentz became the team’s backup quarterback last minute before the season, and he replaced J.J. McCarthy on Sunday due to an ankle injury.
What may not have been as noticeable was Jefferson’s blocking, which helped running back Jordan Mason break loose for 116 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Wentz, meanwhile, didn’t need to be a star as he went 14-20 for 173 yards and two touchdowns versus no interceptions.
“When people look at me, they don’t really expect me to be as physical as I am. But that’s the type of game that I like playing,” Jefferson told reporters afterward. “That physicality, showing people that I might look this way, but I’m way bigger than what I look.”
“It’s just about setting that tone, setting that momentum. I like to make the most of every opportunity that I get. Every yard matters,” Jefferson added.
Carson Wentz Has a Perfect Statement About Justin Jefferson
The former LSU star is 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, and he is known for his finesse when it comes to route running and catching the ball. It hasn’t been the start Jefferson would like, though, as he only has 12 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown through three games.
It hasn’t changed Wentz’s mind. Wentz grew up a Vikings fan and saw previous greats such as Randy Moss and Cris Carter.
“He’s pretty good,” Wentz joked about Jefferson during Sunday’s press conference. “That’s the obvious statement. But … teams are, without a doubt, aware of him, and you get some unique coverages that, quite frankly, I’ve probably never seen in my 10 years, just because of who he is and the attention he draws.”
Carson Wentz Sees Justin Jefferson’s Drive
Wentz has been in the league since 2016, and he has played for six different teams — including two Super Bowl teams. Notable receivers he has played with include Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor from his Philadelphia Eagles days, when he was an MVP candidate. Other notable wideouts include Michael Pittman Jr., Terry McLaurin, Puka Nacua, and Xavier Worth in Wentz’s other stints.
“He wants to not only make the catches, but he wants to win,” Wentz said about Jefferson. “He’s gonna do everything he can to help this team win. I see that in practice. I see it in how hard he practices.”
“I’ve been around some really good players in my career, and he works as hard as any of them, so I respect that about him,” Wentz added.
Jefferson has made four Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors twice in his young career. He has 507 receptions for 7,632 yards and 41 touchdowns thus far in his career.
Jefferson has eclipsed 1,000 yards in every year of his career, and he has never had fewer than five touchdowns in a season. While Jefferson has a career-low pace of 66.7 yards per game at the moment, the Vikings have another 14 games to play this year.
Justin Jefferson Sends Message Amid Vikings’ Blowout of Bengals