When looking at some of the overall 2024 season numbers, one probably wouldn't notice any real problems with the Minnesota Vikings offense.
Heading into Week 9, the Vikings rank 14th in the NFL in offensive expected points, 13th in points scored per drive, seventh in net yards per pass attempt, and fifth in passing touchdowns. However, upon closer examination, one would notice that Minnesota's offense has struggled during the second halves of the team's last few matchups.
In their last four games, the Vikings offense has only scored one second-half touchdown. So, with this in mind, it wasn't too surprising on Thursday when Minnesota star wide receiver Justin Jefferson shared that the team has made some adjustments to its offense since the last time they played a game.
Justin Jefferson says the Minnesota Vikings have "dialed it down" on offense
When meeting with the local Twin Cities media on Thursday, Jefferson mentioned how Vikings head coach and offensive play-caller Kevin O'Connell has "dialed it down" on offense during the last few days of meetings and practice.
Jefferson was asked a follow-up to clarify what he meant about O'Connell dialing the offense down, and the receiver elaborated.
"We're just going out there and just playing. [We're] not really focusing on too much of the concepts, [we're] more focusing on the players that we have out there on the field and our ability to get open versus any coverage.
That's kind of something we're trying to maintain and keep consistent. [The play-call doesn't have to be] the best play that you've ever had. It's all about just going out there and executing, our men versus their men, and being the ones to come [out] on top. That's what it's all about.
...I feel like, this game, [O'Connell is] going to let us go out there and just play."
On Friday, O'Connell was asked about Jefferson's comments, and the Minnesota head coach gave his thoughts on always continuing to make adjustments throughout the season.
"I think coaching in general, as much as we try to hold the pen, as much as we try to give our players an advantage for their benefit, it's just a constant evaluation and reflection of the value received off of the things we do.
...How do we build the best game plan to have success [each] week? I think, to the naked eye, it might look the same. To our players, they might be able to feel that way, and that's the intent. [We want] our players to feel like, 'Man, I love this game plan. We're sharp. We should be able to be crisp and efficient.'"
So, it sounds like we could potentially see some different things from the Vikings' offense on Sunday when they take on the Indianapolis Colts.
With tight end T.J. Hockenson returning this weekend, it's really a perfect time for Minnesota to, as Jefferson said, let the top members of their offense "go out there and just play."
There will be times when Jefferson, Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones will all be on the field at the same time on Sunday against the Colts. That's a losing battle for most opposing defenses, and it sounds like the Vikings have been making sure they can get the most from their top performers not only during this weekend's game, but during the rest of the season as well.
