Justin Jefferson of the Vikings discusses his lack of chemistry with Mullens.
Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings, had amassed nearly 5,000 receiving yards in his first three seasons and had yet to play a game without a touchdown from Kirk Cousins.
As one of the NFL’s most productive tandems, Jefferson has credited Cousins for helping him record the most receiving yards (4,825) of any player in their first three seasons together.
However, Jefferson has used two other quarterbacks than Cousins over the last two weeks.
Josh Dobbs misthrew a ball last week, and Jefferson paid the price by taking a hard hit from Marcus Epps, a safety for the Las Vegas Raiders, which sent him to the hospital via ambulance.
Regarding his comfort level with Nick Mullens under center as opposed to his relationship with Kirk Cousins, Jefferson—who is suffering from a chest injury—was questioned when Mullens was designated the starter for Week 15.
Kirk is unique. Having spent four years with us, Kirk has a level of connection that no one else can match. In a press conference on December 13, Jefferson stated, “That connection is (grown) over time.” Naturally, Nick has been following him closely as he reviews the plays at the rear of the huddle, ensuring that he has a firm grasp on each and every player.
“Whoever is on that field with me, I always feel at ease.” Jefferson continued, “I think we do a tremendous job just teaching and learning from one other. I believe that everyone is in agreement and has faith in Nick to carry out his duties after discussing the many plays and plots in that film room.
Jefferson recalled watching the game on his phone in the emergency room and the ambulance, as well as his trip to a hospital in the Las Vegas region for X-rays to see if he could return home with the team.
“I was shouting.” Jefferson reportedly screamed, according to KARE11. “I think the people who were really hurt by me were just irritated with me.”
Despite the briefness of Jefferson’s comeback from a hamstring injury sustained in Week 5, he described it as “being a kid again” when he returned to the field admitting he felt devastated when he was knocked out of the game. “When they told me I wouldn’t be able to return to the game, I definitely started to cry,” Jefferson remarked. “God has got me through this difficult season.” Since I’m fortunate to be in this circumstance, all I can do is press on.
Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens: The objective is to play well; starting is not cool.
Mullens isn’t crying over the opportunity to play meaningful football in December as he gets ready for his first start since a meaningless 2022 season finale.
Mullens stated that going forward, there will be open communication with the quarterback room after replacing Dobbs in the fourth quarter in Las Vegas.
It was quite easy. I just found out I was starting from (O’Connell). At a press conference on December 13, Mullens stated, “I was thrilled about the chance.” “Playing well from the start is more important than just starting; that’s the objective and what we’re all aiming for.”
Mullens feels ready for the challenge as he approaches a Week 15 showdown against the clever Cincinnati Bengals defense, which mimics the Vikings in many ways.
“Observing the variety of appearances in camp is undoubtedly beneficial,” Mullens remarked. They’re playing pretty well right now, so you have to be prepared for anything they throw at you. hence we’re thrilled about the chance.
