Vikings WR Justin Jefferson opens up on personal struggles for being unable to unlock "savage mode"

Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson is looking for a way to go back to his 2022 form, when he led the league with 1,809 receiving yards with 128 receptions and eight touchdowns. On Thursday, the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year opened up about the different reasons behind his struggles to unlock his "savage mode" this season.

"Just different things going on in my life," Jefferson said. "Just wanting to get back to that kid phase of loving it. I still love football. But overly loving football and overly loving just being out there on Sundays and making the big plays and just being a part of this great organziation. So, just wanting to get back mentally into that mode."

The Vikings are currently placed last in the NFC North with an underwhelming 4-5 record. They've had their own struggles on offense, especially at the quarterback position. Rookie J.J. McCarthy was named as the QB1 of the team at the start, but was replaced by Carson Wentz after suffering a toe injury in Week 2.

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McCarthy returned during their victory against the Detroit Lions after Wentz suffered a season-ending injury against the Chargers. However, they lost 27-19 to the Ravens on Sunday.

This season, Justin Jefferson has tallied just 686 yards and two touchdowns receiving for the Vikings.

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Justin Jefferson shares his honest thoughts on Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy

After McCarthy helped the Vikings to a victory in his comeback game against the Lions, Justin Jefferson came forward to share his true feelings about the rookie quarterback.

During last Thursday's press conference, he heaped praise on McCarthy's mindset after making a strong comeback on the field following his injury.

"The persona, I like it personally," Jefferson said. "I feel like he understands that he has to turn another switch when he gets in a game, mentally and physically. You have to talk to yourself into it. Just like me with the Jets, it is the same thing. I'm Justin right now, but when I step on the field, it's a whole different mode."

The Vikings are next scheduled to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Can they emerge victorious after their disappointing loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10?

Edited by Priyam Hazarika