The Minnesota Vikings suffered a crucial 33-27 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, but Justin Jefferson had himself a day and made history in the process.
With his 70th catch of the season, Jefferson broke the previous franchise record held by the legendary Randy Moss:
Records are meant to be broken. @JJettas2 breaks @RandyMoss' franchise record for receptions by a rookie. pic.twitter.com/ZRD4ncAHUt
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 20, 2020
Jefferson's record-breaking catch was made late in the third quarter in efforts by the Vikings to close the gap. Jefferson is also climbing the ranks in another statistical category:
With 1,161 receiving yards and counting in 2020, @JJettas2 ranks seventh overall in NFL history among rookie receivers, passing Harlon Hill (1,124), Bill Brooks (1,131), Terry Glenn (1,132) and Michael Thomas (1,137). pic.twitter.com/PaFQwKPLlA
— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) December 20, 2020
Jefferson finished the game with eight catches and 104 yards, but it wasn't quite enough to secure a key victory. Minnesota had a final chance to win the game on a Kirk Cousins Hail Mary attempt, but a deflected ball bounced pass a scrambling Jefferson and resulted in a Bears interception. This ended the game and delivered a crushing blow to the Vikings' playoff hopes.
Minnesota is now 6-8 on the season, while Chicago moved to 7-7. The Vikings aren't eliminated just yet, but they're in a tough spot now in the battle for the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC. The Arizona Cardinals currently hold that No. 7 slot with a 7-6 record, and they're facing the Philadelphia Eagles on Snday afternoon.
Even if Minnesota falls short of the playoffs, the silver lining is the franchise knows it has a dominant young wide receiver in Jefferson. He looks like he's going to be a good one for a long time.
Follow Us
Subscribe