With red ink, Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson said he literally circled Sunday's matchup with the Rams on a calendar before the 2021 season began. He's been eager to draw Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey's shadow in coverage, wanting to prove he can produce against the league's best.
"I been having it circled for a long time," said Jefferson, whose 1,335 receiving yards trail only the Rams' Cooper Kupp this season. "It's a statement game for me considering myself one of the top receivers in the league and solidifying myself."
This game has since taken on more meaning.