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

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

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 TJ Hockenson crossing the 100-yard mark for the first time in 2024 against the Bears.

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

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

“I don’t think anybody in this league has a true answer on how to stop elite players, so I’m not going to act like we have a magic formula because there isn’t. I think understanding how to dominate those matchups, win one-on-one battles, but also mix and match coverages is going to be a big part of trying to keep those guys off balance,” Brown said.

“Understanding how to mix and match coverages but also affect the quarterback is going to be a big part of trying to stop him. But he’s a real problem, so I’m not going to say he’s not.”

Jefferson has bounced back since that first meeting.

In back-to-back games, Jefferson had 99 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. Then, he had 132 yards (with 2 touchdowns) in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons.