Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson has given new quarterback Sam Darnold a simple two-word set of instructions this season: Trust me.
Darnold did just that Sunday while throwing from his own end zone, hitting Jefferson deep downfield against double coverage and then watching as Jefferson turned it into a 97-yard touchdown pass.
Jefferson got behind safeties Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odom, hauled in the pass at the 49ers’ 45-yard line and then pivoted and outraced Brown and Odom to the end zone.
We’re really about to put an active player in Canton.@JJettas2
: @NFLonCBs pic.twitter.com/cephalTst9
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 15, 2024
The play gave the Vikings a 10-0 lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
It was a career-long reception for Jefferson. It was also the second-longest play in Vikings history and the longest play by a Vikings player since receiver Bernard Berrian caught a 99-yard touchdown from Gus Frerotte in Week 13 of the 2008 season.