4 biggest takeaways from the Vikings Week 3 loss to the Titans

Jefferson should’ve started 2020 as the No. 2 receiver

In his first game as a starter on Sunday, rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson proved exactly why the Vikings used their top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to add him to their roster.

Jefferson was a big reason why Minnesota’s offense was able to average 7.5 yards per play against the Titans. It was a huge improvement compared to the 3.7 yards per play the Vikings averaged during their Week 2 loss fo the Indianapolis Colts.

Against Tennessee, Jefferson finished with seven catches for 175 yards and a touchdown. Three of his receptions resulted in gains of over 30 yards, including his 71-yard trip to the end zone. Before Sunday, Minnesota only had a total of two pass plays that resulted in a gain of at least 30 yards this season.

Jefferson’s performance against the Titans is something that could’ve potentially happened during the Vikings’ first two games if he was the No. 2 receiver on the team’s depth chart instead of Bisi Johnson. Minnesota might have been able to actually move the ball on offense if Jefferson had been on the field more in Week 1 and Week 2.

But after his day against Tennessee, it doesn’t seem like the rookie will be giving up his new spot on the depth chart any time soon.