Jaguars' Doug Pederson Jokes Justin Jefferson Is Reason for Sam Darnold's Better Play

It's pretty clear which member of the Minnesota Vikings offense Doug Pederson is most concerned about heading into Sunday's game.

"Justin Jefferson," the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach joked when asked why he believes Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has played better in 2024.

While Pederson was joking, there is some truth in the jest. Jefferson makes life easier for the entire offense not just because of the individual plays he makes but for the attention he draws that opens things up for everyone else.

"I think the talent around him, I mean that helps," Pederson continued. "… He's always been a solid quarterback. And whatever team or role he's on, I just think now he's learning, maturing and showing what he's capable of doing. That's what you're seeing on film. Taking care of the football, that's a big part of this thing."

Darnold was the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft but largely failed to live up to initial expectations. He went 13-25 as a starter in his first three seasons with the New York Jets and then bounced around to the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers before joining the Vikings ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Yet he was elevated to starter before the season began because of rookie J.J. McCarthy's knee injury and has been excellent for the 6-2 Vikings.

Darnold has completed 69.5 percent of his passes for 1,900 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions and has Minnesota in position to compete for an NFC North title and potential playoff run.

Getting the ball to Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson would make life easier for any quarterback, but Darnold has still gotten the job done and will look to continue rolling against Pederson's Jaguars on Sunday.