As he reflected on how the Vikings were defended by the Jacksonville Jaguars this past weekend, star receiver Justin Jefferson provided some insight that perfectly encapsulates how he approaches a particular game plan on a weekly basis. “It doesn’t really matter how defenses play other teams,” Jefferson said. “When we step foot on that field, the whole defense changes.” Never was that more prevalent than when the Vikings played the Jaguars. Though most opposing teams do everything in their power to limit Jefferson whenever they play the Vikings, the Jaguars took it to a different level this past weekend. They used split safety coverage scheme on 92.9% of snaps, which was the highest rate of split safety coverage since 2018, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. “You’ve got to take it on the chin sometimes,” Jefferson said. “It happens over and over again.” The usage of split safety coverage allows cornerbacks to be aggressive with Jefferson near the line of scrimmage because they know they have help from the safeties over the top. The scheme worked in limiting Jefferson as he finished with 48 receiving yards. Not that Jefferson was too concerned. All he cared about was the fact that the Vikings earned a 12-7 win over the Jaguars. “I can’t get frustrated,” Jefferson said. “As long as we’re putting points on the board, it doesn’t matter about my production.” That statement describes Jefferson in a nutshell. He’s the most selfless superstar in the NFL. “He just wants to win,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “He’s the ultimate competitor, and I love everything about him.” The fact that Jefferson has managed to roll with the punches every step of the way is impressive to offensive coordinator Wes Phillips when breaking it down on a macro level. “He’s got a good understanding of the game and what’s happening,” Phillips said. “He knows if they are taking him away, and spending a lot of their energy and focus on him, then other guys are going to make plays.” The matchup between the Vikings and Jaguars was a perfect example of how Jefferson cares about winning above everything else. He didn’t care that his numbers were lower than usual because it meant star tight end T.J. Hockenson got to eat. “To be able to play with a guy like that who’s hyped after everybody is eating is a lot of fun,” Hockenson said before adding an important caveat. “You’re not going to limit him. The defense is going to do everything they can in order to limit him. He’s going to get his and he knows that.” The way opposing teams defend the Vikings is somewhat new to quarterback Sam Darnold. Never mind that he’s played for the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. “I wouldn’t say I’m seeing different coverages,” Darnold said. “I would say that I’m seeing coverages that I didn’t see all the time that I’m seeing a lot more often.” The expectation for the Vikings is that they are going to see much more split safety coverage moving forward. It’s a pretty good bet that Jefferson is going to routinely see multiple defenders as a result. That still might not be enough to take him when push comes to shove. “I never want Sam to force a ball into double teams or triple teams,” Jefferson said while setting up the punchline. “If he ever had to, though, that’s always an option for him.” Related Articles Minnesota Vikings | Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. is on a heater Minnesota Vikings | Vikings running back Aaron Jones on his rib injury: ‘I’ll be ready to go’ Minnesota Vikings | Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy still on original recovery timeline Minnesota Vikings | The Loop Fantasy Football Report Week 11: It’s time to prepare for bye week blitz Minnesota Vikings | How the Vikings discovered new kicker Parker Romo