Featured Columnist IVDecember 23, 2024
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Wide receiver Justin Jefferson sees some parallels between the Minnesota Vikings and the LSU squad that lifted a national title in 2019.
“Not just what we’re doing out there on the field, but the way we carry ourselves, the way we treat each other,” Jefferson said when comparing the two, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. “… In 2019, when I won a championship at LSU, it was the same type of vibe. The team is just together, fighting for one another every single game. It definitely feels the same.”
At 13-2, the Vikings remain tied with the Detroit Lions for the second-best record in the NFL. And in their 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, they displayed the kind of mettle you associate with high-achieving teams.
Geno Smith put Seattle ahead with 4:21 remaining on a four-yard touchdown pass to tight end AJ Barner. It took Minnesota all of 30 seconds to respond. Jefferson’s 39-yard touchdown catch from Sam Darnold reinstated the team’s lead.
Minnesota Vikings @Vikings
.@JJettas2 CLUTCH.#ProBowlVote
Safety Theo Jackson intercepted a Smith pass inside the final minute to seal the win.
Minnesota Vikings @Vikings
THEO CALLED GAME
Despite their record and the fact they have the third-best point differential (plus-120) in the league, it feels like Minnesota isn’t getting the kind of respect as a Super Bowl contender you’d expect.
Minnesota Vikings @Vikings
“It’s the most disrespected 13-2 team I’ve ever seen.”
It’s okay, @CSimmsQB. We like it this way.
That might be down to the fact the Vikings haven’t reached the NFC title game since 2019. A lot of fans also still remember them winning 13 games and losing to the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card Round in 2022.
Minnesota closes out the regular season against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. Should the Vikes extend their winning streak to 10 games, nobody will be overlooking them ahead of the postseason.
