Justin Jefferson says new Vikings receiver duo is better than the old one
By Adam Patrick
Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson have been putting up some impressive numbers this season.
Ever since Adam Thielen was given the opportunity to be a full-time starting wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings back in 2016, he and former teammate Stefon Diggs combined to make up one of the top pass-catching duos in the NFL.
But Thielen lost his old partner in crime this past offseason when the Vikings made the decision to trade Diggs to the Buffalo Bills.
Minnesota then drafted former LSU receiver Justin Jefferson to replace Diggs and so far, the rookie pass-catcher and Thielen have picked up right where the Vikings old receiving duo left off.
Justin Jefferson comments on the Minnesota Vikings new and improved receiving duo
Jefferson recently appeared on the “All Things Covered” podcast and he was asked if he and Thielen made a better duo than Diggs and Thielen. The rookie didn’t hold back at all with his answer.
"“Adam Thielen (and) Justin Jefferson. One, I’m a rookie but I have the mindset of a veteran. I just try to take every game the same and just try to be consistent. I feel like that’s one of the hardest things, especially as a rookie, is being consistent and having those high-yard games week in and week out. Just having defenses really disguise their game around you, that’s crazy. Last game was the first time I have seen a robber (in coverage) in a hot minute. Just seeing that, it (gives) me confidence as well, showing that a defense has to do that to really lock me down.”"
Confidence is certainly not something that Jefferson is lacking, but he also has the numbers to back up his comments.
This season, the Minnesota rookie receiver and Thielen are on pace to combine for 150 catches, 2,304 yards, and 26 touchdowns. These are the kind of numbers that would typically come from an experienced receiving duo, not one that features a rookie who didn’t even have a preseason to help with his transition to the NFL.
Whether people believe Jefferson and Thielen are the better duo than Diggs and Thielen or not, one cannot argue against the fact that both receiving duos have provided Vikings fans with plenty of entertainment and excitement.
With Thielen beginning to near the end of his prime in the NFL, who knows how much longer he and Jefferson will be teammates. But for now, we can just continue to enjoy the excellence that they both display out on the field each week for Minnesota.