Kevin O’Connell Says Jettas Isn’t the Diva He Sees Elsewhere

The Minnesota Vikings were always going to experience growing pains this season. That’s the inherent nature of breaking in a new quarterback. Add in the fact that the quarterback is literally 22 years old, and the youngest starter in the NFL, and you’ve got a perfect storm.

Those growing pains can manifest themselves in different ways. The most straightforward way to counteract problems though, is through leadership. Kevin O’Connell is among the best leaders across the entire league. J.J. McCarthy stepped up and showed leadership at the first opportunity.

They aren’t the only ones in Minnesota though. As good as Justin Jefferson is at catching footballs, he also makes his presence felt in the right ways.

Justin Jefferson shows poise for Minnesota Vikings

Quarterbacks and head coaches are often those seen as the vocal point on the field. It’s wide receivers that are often categorized as divas and the problem child. We should know that this isn’t Justin Jefferson based on how he handled his contract situation. Kevin O’Connell highlighted it again on Wednesday though.

“It’s not just (J.J. McCarthy) it’s our whole team (managing their emotions). One of the people I was most proud of was Justin. This is a guy who expects to go out there and make a play every single play.”

Kevin O’Connell – Vikings

As The Athletic’s Alec Lewis so perfectly described, “Jefferson didn’t do what some top-tier receivers would. There were no coolers flipped, no tablets thrown. Jefferson was not barking at McCarthy or the coaching staff or anyone. He managed whatever flames might have been blazing within, and the impact of his tranquility was unquestionable.”

Justin Jefferson is not new to this league, and he certainly has his own aspirations. This is a guy who has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first five seasons, and flirted with 2,000 once. He wants the ball, needs the ball, and expects the ball.

Jefferson was targeted seven times on the night and hauled in four of them. Two of the passes were dropped and at the fault of the wideout. In all though, we tallied just 44 yards and saw the offense struggle for the better part of three quarters.

Week 1 and Tyreek Hill already going through it on the sidelines pic.twitter.com/skpEKGTV4u

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You don’t have to look far to find diva wideouts throwing tantrums on the sidelines in Week 1. At no point, even with Minnesota trailing 17-6 and a pick-six behind them, did Jefferson act in that manner. It’s because of that reality that both the wide receiver and new quarterback can thrive.

McCarthy isn’t going to be perfect any time soon, and it will be years before he’s anywhere close to a finished product. He turned in an award-winning performance because of his leadership and resolve though. It was also a testament to the buy-in and belief he has from those around him.

Related: JJ McCarthy Rewarded for Incredible Week One Performance

Minnesota gets the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football in Week 2. It’s a rematch of the 2024 National Championship. McCarthy beat Michael Penix Jr. that night, and with Jefferson’s help, will look to do it again this time around.