Lunchbreak: Vikings Offensive Struggles Listed as Team's 'Biggest Surprise'

[Viktor]

PFF grades Jefferson, Gladney through 2 weeks


While the Vikings roster is littered with rookies, only the first-rounders have seen extended playing time thus far.


Analytics website Pro Football Focus recently graded all 32 first-round picks from the 2020 NFL Draft, including wide receiver Justin Jefferson and cornerback Jeff Gladney in Minnesota.


PFF writer Sam Monson expanded on Jefferson's early-season grade of 60.3.


Monson wrote:


With Kirk Cousins and the Vikings offense struggling, Justin Jefferson had little chance to make an impact in Week 2 against the Colts. He caught all three passes that came his way, gaining 44 yards and moving the chains twice.


That was an improvement over his debut a week ago, not least because he didn't drop a pass this week, but he needs his quarterback to be in better control if we are going to see what kind of impact he can truly make as a secondary threat to Adam Thielen.


Jefferson chatted with the Twin Cities media on a video conference on Wednesday about continuing to establish a rapport with Cousins.


"It starts at practice — just being at practice and just finding that connection with Kirk, for him to really just rely on me through the tough times and those contested throws," Jefferson said. "As long as I'm out here making those plays, he can get more comfortable with throwing the ball to me."


Gladney, meanwhile, made his first NFL start in Week 2. Through 2 games, he has a PFF grade of 48.5.


Monson wrote:


Initially beaten out for the starting job in training camp by third-round rookie Cameron Dantzler, Jeff Gladney got a chance to try his hand at starting with Dantzler injured this week. He played 60 of a possible 70 snaps on defense and gave up catches on six of the eight targets he faced.


Five different Colts receivers at three different positions beat him for a catch, and Zach Pascal got him for a touchdown, as well. Gladney isn't alone, with the entire Vikings defense reeling right now, but this wasn't a start to remember for the rookie.


Gladney also spoke with the Twin Cities media on a video conference earlier this week.


"Well, I'm young and my teammates know I'm young. But I'm a pro at the end of the day," Gladney said. "Those guys are depending on me just like I'm depending on them. So I've just got to go out there and do my best."