Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson had his worst game of the season in terms of individual production in Week 12 versus the Chicago Bears.

Jefferson had two receptions for 27 yards, both lows for the season.

However, as Jefferson acknowledged in the lead-up to the game, the attention he received opened up opportunities for his teammates, with Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson both crossing the 100-yard mark for the first time in 2024 versus the Bears.

Asked about the challenge of defending Jefferson and not letting the Vikings’ other weapons thrive, Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown praised Jefferson.

“He’s a problem,” Brown told reporters about Jefferson on December 12.

“I don’t think anybody in this league has a true answer how to stop elite players, so I’m not going to act like we have some magical formula because there is none. I think understanding of owning those matchups, winning 1-on-1 battles, but also the mix of coverage is going to be a big part when it comes to how to try to keep those guys off balance,” Brown said.

“Understanding how to mix up coverage but also affect quarterback is gonna be a big part of trying to slow him down. But he’s a true problem, so. Not gonna say he’s not.”

Jefferson has bounced back since that first meeting.

He posted back-to-back games with seven receptions. Jefferson tallied 99 yards in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. He followed that with 132 yards (with 2 touchdowns) in Week 14 versus the Atlanta Falcons.