MINNEAPOLIS — By halftime Thursday night, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had already racked up 94 receiving yards against the Patriots.
Headed into the Thanksgiving primetime matchup, only two players — Green Bay’s Allen Lazard and New York’s Garrett Wilson — had eclipsed 100 receiving yards against New England’s defense this season. Jefferson almost did so in two quarters.
“He’s a good player,” coach Bill Belichick said after the 33-26 loss. “No doubt about it.”
The Patriots often tried to double-team Jefferson but they ultimately could not contain the 2020 first-round pick, who finished with 9 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown.