Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings picked up their first loss of the season in Week 8. Minnesota lost a close game 19-15 against Detroit, moving them to 6-1 on the season. One Vikings player took the loss especially hard and was visibly frustrated with his teammates throughout the game.
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson declined to speak with reporters after Sunday's loss, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
The mild-mannered superstar looked visibly agitated with his quarterback Kyler Murray at multiple points throughout the game. He seemed annoyed in the second quarter when Murray threw a pass much too high for him on a critical third-and-long. Jefferson also looked frustrated after Minnesota failed on their final possession of the game.
Murray and Jefferson have had their moments this season, but they've failed to establish a great chemistry.
Minnesota did make an effort to feature Jefferson at times against a banged up Detroit secondary. Jefferson led the team with nine targets, but only turned those into five receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown. That touchdown was a huge play that gave the Vikings the lead for much of the first half. Unfortunately, it all got a lot worse from there.
Jefferson has just 23 receptions for 302 receiving yards and three touchdowns in six games played this season. He is not on track to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards this season, something that's been automatic throughout his career.
Whatever the problem is, Minnesota needs to find a way to fix it and fast.
The NFL trade deadline is coming up on November 10th. Minnesota was widely viewed as buyers considering their excellent record. However, now fans may be worried about Jefferson requesting a trade out of his frustrating circumstances.
Jefferson has been a good sport up until this point. It will be fascinating to see if his attitude changes in the weeks to come.
Next up for the Vikings is a Week 9 clash with the Bills on Monday Night Football.