Vikings Coach Comments on Justin Jefferson's Lackluster Game

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

There was a moment in time Sunday, after the Minnesota Vikings took a 10-3 lead early in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens, where life was pretty good. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long, as the Vikings were outscored to the tune of a 24-9 for the rest of the contest.

There were a lot of things that went wrong on Sunday and everyone deserves blame, including Justin Jefferson who was not his usual self in week 10, as frustrations with their slow start continue to build up internally.

2 of Justin Jefferson’s 4 catches were screens. The other 2 were quick outs. He also drew a DPI.

But here are the misses and his reactions. pic.twitter.com/MgKxIeklmf

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) November 10, 2025

We got the full young quarterback experience this weekend, with J.J. McCarthy, who completed just 20-of-42 passes, to go with 2 interceptions and 0 touchdowns. Both picks were thrown to Jefferson, who the redshirt rookie QB targeted 12 times, completing just four (37 yards).

Today, O’Connell was asked by Kevin Seifert (ESPN) was concerned at all with the way Justin Jefferson reacted to either interception against the Ravens, or over his star receiver’s frustration level in general.

Justin Jefferson’s attitude didn’t bother Kevin O’Connell

KOC took that opportunity to make it very clear that he and the Vikings’ higher ups never have to worry about Jefferson on or off the field, instead pointing the finger at himself for not keeping the wideout “fresher on game day.”

Asked about Justin Jefferson’s body language Sunday, Kevin O’Connell said “there was some frustration” related to officiating calls. O’Connell said “I have no concerns with Justin” and said, if anything, the Vikings need to find ways to keep him fresher on game day.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 10, 2025

There were multiple throws from McCarthy that didn’t put Jefferson in a position to succeed, and his superstar receiver wasn’t afraid to let him know it, though he was quick to praise JJ and temper any sort of concerns regarding their relationship.

There was always going to be a learning process for McCarthy in the NFL. For whatever reason, neither O’Connell or Jefferson seem immediately capable of understanding that.

Let’s not forget that this kid played only one series during the preseason and none of those plays had No. 18 lined up out wide. We need to stop pretending that joint practices and mental reps are enough to prepare a 2nd year quarterback who missed his entire first season due to injury.

If the Vikings are going to make use of this expensive roster intended to win now, then McCarthy has to take substantial steps forward quickly. If that is going to happen, then the head coach needs to put him in positions succeed, and his superstar needs to show more patience.

Mentioned in this article: Justin Jefferson Kevin O’Connell