Just give ’em a chance.
That’s been the mantra for success for the Vikings’ offense for nearly a decade now, as Minnesota has consistently been blessed with elite wide receiver play.
First, it was Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Now, it’s Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. While the value of edge rushers, offensive linemen and quarterbacks are continuously harped on in football — and justifiably so — Minnesota’s narrow victory Sunday in London was another reminder that pass catchers can win you football games.
Justin Jefferson of Minnesota Vikings catches a pass in the first quarter during the NFL 2025 game between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Oct. 05, 2025 in London, England.”” (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
That’s what Addison and Jefferson ultimately did against Cleveland.
Credit is certainly due to Carson Wentz, who efficiently operated the game-winning drive. And it’s due for the defense, which allowed just one first down over the course of four consecutive Cleveland possessions in the final frame.
Credit is due to Kevin O’Connell, as well, for breaking out of his box a bit to deliver a gameplan better suited to fit the available personnel.
But football games are ultimately determined by big plays, and Addison and Jefferson made the pivotal ones whenever they were required in London.
Addison’s game winner was an excellent ball by Wentz into a tight window, but Addison’s ability to reach back to the side of his head, opposite the direction of his momentum, was a special display of skills. Minnesota somehow rosters two players capable of such acrobatics.
Jefferson is the king of those maneuvers, and was the engine behind Minnesota’s best offense in London.
He drew a pass interference for a key third-down conversion, then high-pointed a ball down the sidelines on consecutive plays to set up Minnesota’s go-ahead touchdown early in the third frame.
Facing a 3rd-and-10 early in the fourth quarter, Wentz seemingly intentionally placed a deep ball over the middle behind Jefferson to keep the ball away from the lurking safety. Jefferson contorted his body to nab the ball, turning away from the defense in the process for a 38-yard pickup.
The same guy who can do that can also go over a cornerback to catch a jump ball for a 21-yard gain in the final 2 minutes on what ultimately proved to be the game-winning drive.
Jefferson finished Sunday with seven catches for 123 yards, more than half of Wentz’s passing yardage.
“Yeah, he’s different. He’s different. I’m still finding out every week, I’m not going to lie,” Wentz said. “You know, a couple of high balls down the field today. Just giving him a chance, and his ability to go up and obviously at times go up and over guys, but just in traffic to go high point a ball gives a quarterback the utmost confidence to just let it rip, honestly.”
That’s the magic of Jefferson and Addison. They can elevate the quarterback in the same way a quarterback often makes players around him better. Because their play creates confidence and trust, two of the most important traits a signal caller must possess.
Suddenly, a quarterback is willing to throw a ball into stiffer coverage because he knows the pros of giving his two star receivers a chance far outweigh the cons. So, the ball is held less, the pass protection isn’t as big of a concern, and the offense can function.
So the team can win.
Wentz’s scoring strike to Addison delayed Minnesota’s funeral by at least a couple weeks. Beating a bad Browns team was a must leading into the bye.
Judging by Minnesota’s overall play, and the schedule waiting for it on the other side of the bye, death could still be waiting on this team’s doorstep. Unless a lot changes when a few players return to full health, very little suggests the Vikings are a championship-caliber team at this point.
But they do have a couple championship-caliber pass catchers. And, as Sunday reminded us all, that at least gives you a fighting chance to make some magic.
Minnesota Vikings players celebrate after a touchdown catch by wide receiver Jordan Addison in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in London, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Dave Shopland/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) crosses into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second half of the NFL game between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
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