INGLEWOOD, Calif. — He tries. Boy, does Justin Jefferson do his best to mask his emotions.
Search for him on the Minnesota Vikings’ sideline, and you’ll usually find him on the edge of a bench. He rocks back and forth. It’s something he’s done since he was a child. There are never helmet throws, no jawing at teammates. But even he, in this moment, was despondent.
Advertisement
Jefferson aggressively tossed his helmet onto its perch. Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown approached him in an attempt at consolation, but Jefferson stood alone then simmered by himself as he walked toward the locker room. It was halftime at SoFi Stadium. The tipping point had been reached.
Calling Thursday night’s 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers an obliteration does not quite do the showing justice. This was a humiliation, an unraveling. This was the football equivalent of a prizefight where you’re almost begging the referee to end it.
The Vikings couldn’t run. They also couldn’t stop the run. They struggled to pass. They also made it seem as if they did not know how to defend the pass.
Continue Reading on New York Times
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.