Vikings’ JJ McCarthy gives strong words on Justin Jefferson connection

Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy with WR Justin Jefferson against Ravens

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Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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The Minnesota Vikings achieved a 31-0 win at home last Sunday against the Washington Commanders, behind J.J. McCarthy’s 163 yards and three-touchdown performance. However, Justin Jefferson finished with just 11 receiving yards on two catches.

There were earlier rumblings that Jefferson might be unhappy with his situation at Minnesota, which has seen a team that was winning last season become the NFC North's bottom-dweller.

This season, Jefferson has 64 receptions for 810 yards and two touchdowns through his team's 13 games. A comparison to last season shows how he’s slid, though, as it was 10 touchdowns and 1,533 yards receiving with a different quarterback throwing him the ball.

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Sam Darnold guided the team to a 14-3 record. He has since moved on to quarterback the Seattle Seahawks, and they're looking like a potential NFC contender, while the Vikings are far from it. At 5-8, Minnesota is still not officially eliminated from the playoff picture, but there are multiple teams with better records ahead of them, including their division’s Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions.

Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy with WR Justin Jefferson against Ravens

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Winning their remaining games will help, and McCarthy playing at his best level with teammates will assist in the goal. At Wednesday's press conference, McCarthy addressed how he and Jefferson are continuing to work on their connection on the field to improve for the future.

“I think the more experience versing certain looks. He sees the game completely different from my perspective,” McCarthy told reporters.

He mentioned looking at game tape of Jefferson to see how he plays, or having a chat with him about a play on the iPad on the sidelines during games, is helping them grow their connection.

“It’s just growing along the way. We’re seeing new defenses, going against new players, new coaches, and there’s going to be more obstacles that come, and just how good is our relationship and communication to overcome those and prepare us for future obstacles,” McCarthy said.

There have been analysts and sports personalities contending that McCarthy isn't the right quarterback for Minnesota, but the team has continued to place faith in their young field general. That said, the offseason and the NFL Draft will indicate whether the team wants to continue with him or go in a different direction.

Next up for the Minnesota Vikings will be the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, a team that is 6-6-1 and still in the hunt for the NFL Playoffs. While McCarthy and the Vikings aren't really part of that discussion, it appears the young quarterback is optimistic about his future with Jefferson, at least for the team's remaining games.