The Minnesota Vikings are 4-5, and they are starting to get into an area where they can’t afford any more losses. Considering the team’s recent struggles, star receiver Justin Jefferson has taken it upon himself to help save the season, issuing a two-word warning ahead of the must-win Chicago Bears matchup.
Jefferson has 686 yards and two touchdowns through nine games, which calculates to just 76.2 yards per game. This is a career low for the usually top receiver. His total yardage is good for eighth in the league, which is also low.
Jefferson is usually in the top five in total yardage and touchdowns. It could be the quarterback issues that the Vikings have had with J.J. McCarthy getting hurt in Week 2, and Carson Wentz also being injured.
McCarthy has returned, but the Vikings fell to the Baltimore Ravens. Jefferson picked up only 37 yards in the loss.
Though the Vikings have multiple issues, Jefferson believes that he must return to “savage mode,” which is a two-word warning he issued about his current 2025 season. He told The Minnesota Star Tribune that he needs to return to “Year 3 Jets.”
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"Mentally, just wanting to get back into that mode," Jefferson said at a Thursday news conference. "I like to say savage mode. … Just going out there and just killing it and not worrying about the plays, not worrying about anything else I can't control. Doing everything I can control and making the most of my opportunities.
If Jefferson can return to anything “savage,” it should help the Vikings to expand their offense in a big way. The usual case for opposing defenses is to pay extra attention to the receiver, opening up other playmakers for big gains and scores.
Even when Jefferson is accounted for, he finds ways to make big plays. The 2025 season has just started off in a slow manner for the star pass catcher.
The Vikings have a tough challenge in the Bears, who are surging. Jefferson will need to return to proper form to help the offense stop Caleb Williams and company.
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