Minnesota (7-10) lost four straight games and lost six of seven games on the season due to Kirk Cousins’ Achilles tendon tear and the team’s lack of substitutes, knocking them out of playoff contention.
Vikings manager Kevin O’Connell said, “I appreciate how they fought until the end despite adversity and injuries.
” Nick Mullens, one of three quarterbacks to start in the Vikings’ last five games, threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson in the final moments of the third quarter.
, also had a 42-yard touchdown pass to another player.
Jordan Addison He scored on the next possession, keeping Minnesota within a touchdown.
Mullens throws to Cam Sutton and C.J.
Gardner Johnson made an interception late in the fourth inning, ending Minnesota’s hopes of a comeback.
He went 30 of 44 for 396 yards.
As always, Jefferson did his part for the Vikings.
He had a career-high 12 catches for a season-high 192 yards and one score.
Jefferson, who missed seven games with a hamstring injury, became the only players in league history to record 1,000 receiving yards in 10 or fewer games, joining Wes Chandler (1982) and Jim Benton (1945).
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“What he was able to do in one year with so much adversity and the defensive looks we’ve seen so far is very impressive,” O’Connell said.
“When he can play a full game, he’s as dominant as anyone in the league.
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