“(Justin Jefferson) is the best (wide receiver) in the world, so you better have a plan for him. I know every team he plays against does. So that’s the challenge of the NFL, you go from playing one of the best tight ends in the league (Brock Bowers) to one of the best receivers in the league.” – Shula
Shula doesn’t underestimate the dominance that Jefferson has displayed for a Vikings team that has just one loss entering their matchup in SoFi Stadium. That said, he also knows that he isn’t their only weapon on offense. Shula said that “the more resources you put to stopping Justin Jefferson, now (wide receiver) Jordan Addison is also a great player as well.” He also mentioned tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones as difference-makers.
After four caused turnovers against the Raiders, Shula wants to build on that performance. He also talked about some of last week’s standouts, including rookie safety Jaylen McCollough, who has three interceptions in the team’s last two games. Shula said it’s “an amazing story,” and McCollough has been consistent from the jump. He’s attentive in meetings and never changed his demeanor. Of cornerback Cobie Durant, who had two caused turnovers against Las Vegas as well, Shula said “he’s always been one of the bright spots for the defense.”
They are looking to keep the turnovers flowing against Minnesota.
“(The Vikings defense does) a lot and they do it well. And they’re unique, obviously. So, a lot of respect for (defensive coordinator Brian Flores)… It’s not fun to go against and not only that, their players play really, really hard, so it’s going to be a great challenge for us both schematically and for our players.” – LaFleur
Flores’ defense is notorious for bringing heavy pressure out of numerous different looks. LaFleur acknowledged that having a 16-year veteran under center is always an advantage, but especially against an aggressive and smart defense. LaFleur said that “an edge is always Matthew’s brain… he’s seen it all.”
To prepare for a “unique” defense, they watch film as far back as the Rams’ game against the Flores-led Dolphins in 2020 to get a sense of what he might throw at them on Thursday. They use it as “reference” and there are certain similarities and differences between what he did then versus what he does now with Minnesota. LaFleur said Flores “will know exactly what I’m talking about” with respect to the similarities…
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