The Vikings enter Sunday's season opener against the Falcons with a rare track record for limiting All-Pro receiver Julio Jones, who said this week he plans to play at U.S. Bank Stadium amid contract negotiations.
Jones, the NFL's top receiver in yards (1,677) and targets (170) last season, has averaged only 54 yards in three full games and has yet to score a touchdown against the Vikings. The latest, in 2017, saw cornerback Xavier Rhodes shadow Jones and hold him to catching two of six targets for 24 yards in a Vikings' win.
Rhodes, who credited how players carry out Mike Zimmer's game plans for the success, could shadow Jones again on Sunday.