The Athletic Football Show on Justin Jefferson

PodcastWeek 3 Hangover: Brian Flores is a menace, Mason Graham comes alive, and the Gi...September 29, 2026

From the episode

And you lose Jeff and you lose Justin Jefferson at some point in this game. And you lose Justin Jefferson. Yes, exactly. Which if you were having a young quarter or not a young quarterback, but a quarterback in a new system who was like needed a little bit of an answer, you would want to rely on Justin Jefferson.

Mentioned at 21:00 – 21:56

STACKED’s take

Negative signalUsage

Jefferson's absence hurt Vikings offense when new-system QB needed reliable targets.

Jefferson was lost at some point during the Vikings-Buccaneers game, which was especially notable given his excellence and the fact that a quarterback in a new system needed reliable targets; his absence forced the Vikings to rely on vertical throws over the middle, limiting offensive options.