Vikings' Jefferson unfazed by big hits, as big games pile up

AP Pro Football Writer EAGAN (Minn.) -- Justin Jefferson is a top receiver in the NFL. His skills range from route running savvy to quick-twitch elusiveness and vertical jump to pure speed. But his natural strength and courage to grab a ball during a jarring hit are a constant sight to see. His ever-appreciative quarterback Kirk Cousins stated that it was difficult for them to hear the footsteps of others and not retreat, drop the ball, or hold on. His ability to hold onto traffic in traffic is an exceptional trait. It is difficult to coach this skill, but it is evident and I am grateful when I see him doing that and making the catch. The Vikings have been facing five of the top 12 league defenses in terms total yards allowed over the past six games. Jefferson seems to have had to pay a much higher physical price than usual for letting go of the ball. Stephon Gilmore, the Indianapolis cornerback, was the latest to be penalized against Jefferson. He hit Jefferson with his helmet in the facemast in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's victory 39-36. Coach Kevin O'Connell stated that there is a strong emphasis on the teams they are playing. Some of these hits don't seem to happen by chance at all. Jefferson was briefly removed from the game to undergo a concussion test. After the collision, Jefferson ripped his helmet off in anger. Jefferson stated that he didn't feel the hit was clean. He lifted up his helmet and tried to tackle him high. Jefferson grew up with his older brothers who played at LSU. It's like Michael Jordan or the Detroit Pistons. They try to take out and abuse the best players,' Jefferson stated, referring to an era in NBA history that occurred a decade before Jefferson was born. It seems like it's happening more often every game, but that's what happens when you're this kind of player. Cousins has some of the cards to protect the best player on the team. Cousins stated, "I'll let it be known when it's mine and I could have protected him." "There are other occasions when I will say, "That's life here in the big city, buddy." You can only hold him for so much longer because you know that safety is near. Cousins stated that you have to make the play. Jefferson has been making most of them. He leads the league with 111 receptions, 1,623 yards and leads the league. To break Calvin Johnson's single season receiving record of 342 yards, he will need 342 yards. This record was previously set in 16 games by Detroit in 2012. To break the apples-to-apples mark, Jefferson must average 171 yards in each of the next two games. Jefferson has exceeded this total three times this season. It is possible to reach that mark in three weeks, but Jefferson said he would not consider the 17-game mark the same. The franchise record should be clear and free. Randy Moss (1.632 in 2003), is just 10 yards behind. Jefferson stated that he thought it would be thrilling to get close to it before Wednesday's practice in preparation for the game against the New York Giants. "Of course, I would like to reach it, but it doesn't really matter if we achieve the big goal at the end. Receive local news directly to your inbox