Jefferson Accepts Lower Numbers Amid Vikings' 6-0 Start

Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson described mixed emotions after his lowest receiving totals through seven weeks of any season in his career. He has 23 catches and 60.4 yards per game, the latter figure 32 percent below his previous weakest start when he averaged 88 yards. Jefferson has also drawn just 31 targets, a number surpassed by 71 other NFL players.

Injury and Scheme Factors

A sprained left ankle caused Jefferson to miss one full game and most of another, and the team has already taken its bye. He noted the Vikings are 6-0 and said winning games matters more than personal production, even while acknowledging an internal desire to post the big numbers that prove elite status. The club has leaned on a run-first plan under new quarterback Kyler Murray, posting the league's fourth-highest rate of designed runs at 43.3 percent and the second-fewest dropbacks with 198.

Tough Stretch Looms

Coach Kevin O'Connell said the reduced passing volume limits opportunities but emphasized finding ways to keep the team's best player involved. The Vikings begin their hardest stretch of the schedule this week at the Detroit Lions, followed by games against the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers. Minnesota enters that stretch with the NFL's top defense and one of its strongest special-teams units.