For the Minnesota Vikings, a comeback the some will argue should have come to fruition fell short. But this was not for a lack of trying and effort. It what turned out to be an up and down game, but it looked like the Minnesota Vikings were going to snatch a possible win away from the Detroit Lions in heartbreaking fashion. As this turned out to not be the case, their star wide receiver made some huge plays, to put his team in a position to pick up the home win.
Minnesota Vikings Playmaker
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had one of the great catches of the year. Trailing late, on a 3rd and 27 from his own 16 yard line, Nick Mullens threw a jump ball for his receiver. With two defenders in the immediate area, competing for the ball and looking to make it difficult, Justin Jefferson went up and made a play that would leave most speechless. A play that officially went down as a 28 yard completion, his highlight play provided life and hope for an offense that was seeking a game winning score.
no joke Justin Jefferson may be the best WR i’ve ever seen 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/czu9vRmbYQ
— khi (@stymead) December 24, 2023
Finishing the game with a total of 6 catches, 141 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Justin Jefferson did all that he could for his team. He showed that when the Minnesota Vikings needed it most, he could be counted on, all while his team is having a hard time navigating life without starting quarter back Kirk Cousins.
And while the comeback effort was ultimately sealed shut with a game ending interception. Justin Jefferson’s clutch play, and Nick Mullens did have the home team well positioned with the Detroit Lions on the ropes. Their efforts only came up short on a ball that didn’t come out as Nick Mullens would have wanted and was a relatively easy pick for the Detroit Lions to earn their division clinching win.
Minnesota Vikings Quarterback
Nick Mullens has been thrown into a less than ideal situation. The latest of a rotating group of signal callers, Nick Mullens would have liked more time to build up chemistry with his current teammates. Unfortunately for him, that didn’t happen.
Despite that he is doing well, all things considered. Against the Detroit Lions, he passed for 411 yards, and two touchdowns. And while it of course helps to have someone like Justin Jefferson to throw the ball to, he is still the one making the throws, and gaining yards through the air.
The issue with him has been the turnovers and costly plays. While throwing for over 400 yards is of course a great feat, taking care of the football often proves to be a more important difference maker. Nick Mullens finished with 4 interceptions, 4 sacks against him, and two fumbles. And whether these plays result in turnovers or not, they are drive killing plays. Plays that if one or two are able to go a slightly different way, the Minnesota Vikings are able to leave US Bank Stadium with another win in their column.
