The overall effort that star receiver Justin Jefferson displayed for the Vikings in Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens quickly became a talking point on social media this week.

The most glaring example was the way he lightly jogged after safety Malaki Starks and cornerback Marlon Humphrey following interceptions thrown by quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Asked how he felt about his performance in the Vikings’ 27-19 loss to Baltimore last Sunday, Jefferson took accountability for his actions while also adding that a lot of emotions go into those snapshot moments.

“I’m an ultra competitor and a lot of people that don’t play this game and don’t play sports don’t understand the competitive side of it,” Jefferson said. “I want to win, and emotionally things get heated sometimes.”

In that same breath, Jefferson spoke about his recent post on Instagram, which read as something like a promise to everybody that follows him. After seeing a video clip of his iconic catch in the dramatic win over the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 13, 2022, he added it to his story with a caption that indicated he wanted to recapture that version of himself.

What did he mean by that?

“I felt like I was on a different level,” Jefferson said. “(I’m) just trying to work back into that.”

The numbers speak for themselves. Jefferson finished with 128 receptions for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns on the way to being named 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. Though he has still managed to produce at a high level this season with 51 receptions for 686 yards and two touchdowns, it hasn’t been on par with the high standard he set for himself.

That explains some of the frustration that recently manifested on the field.

“Just wanting a better outcome,” Jefferson said. “I feel like we should be playing better than what we are.”

As he reflected on his role in the offense, Jefferson vowed to be better moving forward. He said he’s trying to channel what he calls “Savage Mode” when the Vikings play host to the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“Just going out there with that … mentality,’” Jefferson said. “Not worrying about anything else that I can’t control.”

Some of the stuff out of Jefferson’s control includes McCarthy navigating the growing pains that come with being a young signal caller at the highest level. The ups and downs have resulted in a noticeable dip in production from Jefferson as he’s averaging only 52.3 yards per game with McCarthy under center.

Not that Jefferson plans on making the situation untenable. That’s not in his nature. Instead, he vows to continue to offer words of encouragement.

“I’m always going to be that person for J.J. to lean on,” Jefferson said. “I’m always going to be that person to motivate him to continue to be better ”

Briefly

After being listed as a limited participant on Wednesday afternoon, McCarthy was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday afternoon. That’s good news for the Vikings considering McCarthy has been dealing with a right hand injury.

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