Justin Jefferson racked up 1,809 yards on his way to Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2022, but even the greats have the occasional disappointing performance.
Eagles CB Darius Slay can claim responsibility for one of Jefferson’s most underwhelming games in an otherwise dominant campaign.
After the Vikings tore up the Packers’ defense in Week 1 last season, they walked into Philadelphia and were promptly humbled by the eventual NFC champions. The Eagles came away with a 24-7 win in prime time, and Jefferson’s inability to build much of a rhythm with Kirk Cousins was one of Minnesota’s biggest programs.
As Jefferson and the Vikings prepare for a rematch with the Eagles in the same city and at the same juncture of the season, Slay is again hoping to deliver a dominant performance.
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Here’s a closer look at Jefferson’s career numbers vs. Slay and the Eagles.
Justin Jefferson stats vs. Eagles
Jefferson and the Eagles have only matched up one time, in Week 2 of the 2022 season. After Jefferson hung 184 yards on the Packers a week earlier, expectations were high against another NFC contender. The Eagles — Slay in particular — got the better of him.
Jefferson finished with 48 yards on six catches, averaging only eight yards per reception. Jefferson was targeted 12 times but caught only six passes, marking the second-lowest catch rate his season.
Jefferson’s numbers against Slay in particular were even more grim. He only had one catch while covered by Slay, and the the Eagles CB notched two red zone interceptions while defending the eventual Offensive Player of the Year. It was the fourth multi-interception game of Slay’s career.
Credit goes to Jefferson for admitting that he’s thinking about that game entering this season’s “Thursday Night Football” battle. The Vikings star spoke to USA Today about what he’s feeling before the matchup with Slay.
“I’m always excited to have those type of matchups. But definitely we have some things we’ve got to get back [at] them on. Having the loss last year, not having those plays we wanted last year. There’s definitely some tension going into the game,” Jefferson said.
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The rematch almost didn’t happen. Slay was set to be released by the Eagles before a last-minute contract restructure allowed him to stay on board. With CB James Bradberry out vs. the Vikings, there is even more pressure on Slay to handle business against Jefferson.
Josh Jobe, who has 20 career defensive snaps to his name, is set to play in place of Bradberry, so Slay might have to travel around the field to match up with Jefferson. According to The Delaware News Journal, he’s willing to do just that.
The Vikings, meanwhile, will hope rookie Jordan Addison can take some pressure off Jefferson.