Justin Jefferson Shines in Tinseltown with 143…

Jefferson didn’t have a catch longer than 10 yards until five minutes into the second quarter, when Cousins connected with the wideout for an 18-yard gain on third-and-15. From that point on, things really started clicking. Cousins went deep over the middle three plays later and again found an open Jefferson, this time for a 21-yard gain. That drive was capped by a Greg Joseph field goal to give Minnesota a 6-3 lead.

“We were doing some middle routes. They were playing a lot of 2-high [safeties] and leaving the middle open,” Jefferson explained, “so some great play-calling of getting us the ball in open space and letting us work.”

On the following possession by the Chargers, Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks intercepted Justin Herbert on the first pass, giving the ball back to Minnesota.

The Vikings have struggled this season to capitalize off turnovers, but not this time. Jefferson made another 21-yard play to the red zone, and four plays later Cousins fired a short touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Conklin.

Jefferson emphasized the importance of Cousins trusting him to make plays in all kinds of situations. When Cousins is willing to take that chance, it more-than-often pays off.

“Having a look that we go over in practice and [Cousins] just saying, ‘JJ over there. Let me go throw it up and him make a play.’ I like when he does that. It gives me the chance to go up and make a play for the team.

“He’s a smart quarterback. He gives the opportunity when he needs to,” Jefferson added. “He just needs to go out there and keep playing. Trust his guys. Just like we trust him, and I think we’ll be pretty good.”