The Minnesota Vikings' 2025 season, while it ended well, lacked memorable moments like the ones in 2024.
It was especially frustrating for Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson, who is coming off the worst statistical season of his career with 84 receptions for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games. His 12.5 yards per reception was the worst he has ever had, as his previous career low was 14.9 yards per reception.
There are several reasons for this, as the Vikings had inconsistent quarterback play and an offensive line that was banged up for most of the year. Despite all the struggles that Jefferson and the offense had, the four-time Pro Bowler was able to do at least one thing well.
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson was the best in the NFL with one specific route
PFF's Daire Carragher recently shared which wide receivers were the best in the NFL at specific routes. Jefferson claimed the prize as the best at wide receiver screen passes.
"Justin Jefferson had a frustrating year, just barely maintaining his streak of six 1,000-yard seasons to start his career.
While it felt like much of Jefferson’s grievances were a consequence of bad quarterback play and totally beyond his control, one area where he could heavily influence the outcome was on screen passes
Jefferson caught all 20 screen pass targets, turning them into 7.8-yard gains on average. It’s an underrated part of his game, which he has really developed over the past two seasons.
Given the dominance Jefferson typically exudes in all other facets of being a wide receiver, I think it’s only fair that we throw him a bone here."
Part of the reason Jefferson was so successful on screen passes and Minnesota ran it to him often was that his young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, does not have the arm strength to hit those long passes.
This was the best way to get the ball out of McCarthy's hands quickly and get Jefferson going to build some momentum.
Vikings fans would really appreciate it if the offense didn't have to lean on screen passes as much in 2026 to pick up yards through the air. Jefferson is at his best when it's a deep ball in one-on-one coverage with a defender, and he can beat him out.
With next season being a pressure point for many within the Vikings organization, there will be a more aggressive approach to the season. One thing the franchise better make sure they get done is to give Jefferson the ball early and often from whoever the quarterback is, not just on screen passes.