Vikings Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson Reflects on What Could Have Been This Season

The Minnesota Vikings' 2023 season was marked by high expectations and significant losses. One of the most significant departures from the team's quarterback position was Sam Darnold, who was traded away in the offseason. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been one of the bright spots for the Vikings this season, but he can't help but wonder what might have been if Darnold had remained on the team.

A Changing Quarterback Landscape

The Vikings' quarterback situation changed dramatically when they traded Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers in March. The team signed Deshaun Watson as a free agent and invested heavily in him, with the hope that he would be the franchise's long-term solution at the position. However, Watson has struggled to find his footing in Minneapolis, and the team is now exploring other options.

Justin Jefferson has been one of the few bright spots for the Vikings this season, and he often finds himself speaking on behalf of his teammates and coaches when discussing the quarterback situation. In an interview with USA Today, Jefferson was asked if he had thought about what might have been for the team if Darnold had remained on board.

A Look Back at What Could Have Been

Jefferson's response to the question suggests that he has indeed given some thought to what might have been if Darnold had stayed with the Vikings. "I don't know, man," Jefferson said. "We were a different team last year. We were more physical, more dominant on both sides of the ball. Sam was a big part of that."

The 2022 season was marked by significant improvements from the Vikings' offense, which had struggled in previous years. Darnold's presence at quarterback seemed to give the team a new level of confidence and cohesion, and Jefferson was one of the beneficiaries of this newfound chemistry.

A Shift in Philosophy

While the Vikings were still not as successful with Darnold on board as they had hoped, Jefferson believes that his quarterback's style of play helped to change the team's philosophy. "We became more aggressive," Jefferson said. "We started taking shots down the field and being more physical. Sam was a big part of that."

This shift in philosophy seemed to have an impact on the team's overall performance, at least for a time. The Vikings were able to score more points per game and maintain a higher level of intensity throughout the season.

A New Chapter

However, it's clear that the Vikings are moving forward with their quarterback situation without Darnold. While Justin Jefferson is proud of what he accomplished last season, he acknowledges that things might have been different if his quarterback had stayed in Minneapolis.

"I think we would be a better team right now," Jefferson said. "But you never know what happens. You can't control it."

This sentiment was echoed by Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, who acknowledged that the team's quarterback situation is still an ongoing process.

"We're still evaluating and adjusting," O'Connell said. "We'll see how things play out over the next few weeks."

A Look to the Future

For Justin Jefferson, the future of the Vikings offense will depend on a number of factors, including the team's quarterback situation and the health of his fellow receivers.

While Deshaun Watson has struggled to find his footing in Minneapolis, there is still reason to believe that he can be a key part of the team's success. With a healthy and talented receiving corps behind him, the Vikings could potentially return to form next season.

However, for Jefferson, what might have been with Darnold on board will always be a subject of interest. "I don't know if we would be where we are today without Sam," he said. "But you can't look back and wonder what could have been. You have to focus on the present and try to make it better for next year."

Conclusion

The Vikings' quarterback situation has changed significantly in recent months, with Sam Darnold traded away and Deshaun Watson struggling to find his footing in Minneapolis. For Justin Jefferson, who was a key part of the team's offense last season, what might have been if Darnold had remained on board is always going to be a subject of interest.

However, as the team moves forward with its quarterback situation, there is reason to believe that they can still achieve success in the future. With a healthy and talented receiving corps behind them, the Vikings could potentially return to form next season.

For Jefferson and his teammates, though, the focus will always be on the present. "You have to focus on the present and try to make it better for next year," he said.

In conclusion, the Vikings' quarterback situation is a complex one, with many variables at play. While Justin Jefferson acknowledges that what might have been if Darnold had stayed on board was interesting, his focus will always be on the future and how he can help the team succeed in 2024 and beyond.