Justin Jefferson was bluffing when he said in July that he would be the top wide receiver in the NFL after the 2022 season. Following an outstanding performance in Buffalo on Sunday, the Vikings wide receiver proved that audacious off-season remark and became the only reason the Vikings had a chance to beat the Bills in one of the most memorable regular-season games in NFL history.
In Minnesota’s unexpected victory in Buffalo, Jefferson hauled in 10 passes for a career-high 193 receiving yards and two scores. As per the NFL Research, it was Jefferson’s 20th game in his career with 100 plus receiving yards, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Randy Moss and Odell Beckham for the most by any player in his first three seasons.
An incredible one-handed grab by Jefferson in the fourth quarter that prevented Minnesota from losing the first time was the climax of his spectacular day. With two minutes left, Jefferson hauled in the 50-50 ball on fourth-and-18 with Bills cornerback Cam Lewis all over him. The Vikings’ chances of winning the game late were increased by the remarkable 32-yard catch that moved Minnesota from its own 27-yard line to Buffalo’s 41.
JUSTIN JEFFERSON CATCH OF THE CENTURY. pic.twitter.com/Cos6v0yPIC
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 13, 2022
“It happened right in front of me. One of the more remarkable catches I’ve ever seen. He’s such a special, special player,” said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. “To show up time and time again when we needed him today, really lucky to have Justin and the plays he made today. ”
Jefferson saw the replay after the game and was as stunned as everyone who saw it live.
“Just the way my body went up, him catching the ball in his hands and me taking it from him. The whole play was crazy,” he said. Jefferson himself is still in disbelief, just like all of us. But there is no disagreement on the fact that he made the NFL world witnessed one of the historic moments.
