Justin Jefferson Claims Vikings Improve with Sam Darnold at QB
The Super Bowl has taken on a bittersweet tone for Justin Jefferson, the two-time All-Pro wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. As the Seahawks prepare to face the Patriots next Sunday, Jefferson reflects on the role of his former teammate, Sam Darnold, who is leading Seattle to the championship. It’s a stark reminder of the Vikings’ missed opportunity following their impressive 14-3 season last year, which ended in disappointment during the wild-card round.
Justin Jefferson’s Thoughts on Sam Darnold
In a recent interview, Jefferson expressed mixed feelings about Darnold’s success. He noted that it would be “tough” to watch the Super Bowl, believing the Vikings could have performed better with Darnold at quarterback this season. Despite his personal sentiments, he is rooting for Darnold and the Seahawks to succeed against New England.
Darnold’s Rise to Prominence
Sam Darnold, the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has had a tumultuous career. After a challenging stint with the Jets, his time with the Vikings helped revive his image. Now, leading the Seahawks, he has achieved a remarkable 14-3 record, throwing for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns this season.
The Vikings’ Struggles
In contrast, the Vikings finished the season with a 9-8 record. The team struggled with inconsistency at the quarterback position, rotating between JJ McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. This instability affected Jefferson’s performance, which plummeted from 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 to just 1,048 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.
Future Implications for the Vikings
Jefferson believes that having Darnold could have significantly benefited the Vikings this season. He emphasized the value of continuity, stating that Darnold’s familiarity with the team’s system and players would have improved their outcomes. “A quarterback who knew the plays, the playbook, and had already established chemistry with receivers like me, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson would have made a difference,” he remarked.
Changes in Vikings Management
With the season’s end, the Vikings are undergoing organizational changes. Recently, the team parted ways with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, sparked by reported tensions surrounding team decisions. Adofo-Mensah was responsible for the choice to transition from Darnold to McCarthy, a decision that has now come under scrutiny.
- Justin Jefferson: Two-time All-Pro wide receiver for the Vikings.
- Sam Darnold: Quarterback leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl.
- Vikings Record (2025): 9-8.
- Darnold’s Record (2025 with Seahawks): 14-3.
- Darnold’s Passing Statistics: 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns.
- Jefferson’s Production Drop: From 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 to 1,048 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2025.
As the Super Bowl approaches, all eyes will be on Darnold’s performance, while the Vikings face a crucial transitional period, pondering what might have been.
