Justin Jefferson fires back at the critics, making it clear that his incredible performance is just the beginning. "This is only the start."
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is making a bold statement with each game, and after another incredible performance, he made it clear that his rise to the top of the NFL is no accident. "That’s almost my entire career," Jefferson said with confidence, reflecting on his standout achievements and his journey to proving that he is different from the rest.
“I’ve always known I was different,” Jefferson continued. “I’ve put in the work, and now I’m showing the world exactly what I’m capable of. This is just the beginning. I’ve always had this belief in myself, and now it’s paying off on the field.”
Jefferson’s ability to make jaw-dropping catches, rack up yards, and change the game has become synonymous with his name, and he continues to redefine what it means to be a top-tier wide receiver in the NFL. His consistency and explosive plays have put him in the conversation for the best in the game, and his latest performances only reinforce that narrative.
"People can doubt me, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what I do on the field," Jefferson said. "I’m not focused on the hype; I’m focused on making plays, helping my team win, and continuing to prove that I’m one of the best at what I do."
As the Vikings continue to lean on Jefferson as their offensive centerpiece, it’s clear that he’s not slowing down anytime soon. With each game, Jefferson makes a stronger case that he belongs among the NFL’s elite, and as he continues to break records and dazzle with his skill, his statement stands true: Jefferson is truly in a league of his own.
Looking ahead, the sky’s the limit for Justin Jefferson, and this is just the start of what promises to be a legendary career.
Giants DC Shane Bowen reveals the key traits that make New York's pass rushers so dangerous ahead of Week 5 vs the Saints
Through four games, Burns leads the NFL with five sacks and has 17 pressures. Thibodeaux is having a career resurgence with 17 pressures and 2.5 sacks. And the rookie Carter leads the team with 19 pressures and 0.5 sacks.
Seemingly, all three players are perfectly complementing one another to create success for the entire defense. Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bown discussed what fuels their play.
"All three of those guys are unselfish," Bowen told reporters, "They're putting the team first. They're doing what's asked of them. They're not batting an eye. They're trying to do everything the right way."
Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter are dominating
The Giants' Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers was the first example of the 2025 season of how overwhelmingly dominant the Giants' defense could be. The potential was shown in the two interceptions they forced from Justin Herbert and the 12 QB hits they generated.
The most promising aspect of the win was the emergence of Carter as a constant pressure-creating force, capable of coming from any spot on the field. While he didn't register a sack, he was often in Herbert's face. According to Bowen, he believes his rapid growth is the result of working alongside Burns and Thibodeaux.
"I think having Burns and KT in that room is very valuable for him, too, just to see what it is and how those guys go about their business," stated Bowen, "But I've been pleased with [Carter]. The versatility of [Carter] and those other guys, they're all different. They all have a different skill set. The versatility you can use in that is a little bit different. But being able to maximize that has been good for us."
No one knew what to expect from Thibodeaux this season. The former 2022 first-rounder underwhelmed last year and was deemed an easy trade candidate after the Giants drafted Carter third overall. Thibodeaux is still discussed as a trade target by media platforms as a player that teams need to replace their pass rushers. Based on how Bowen spoke about him today at practice, it doesn't seem there's any plan to move him.
"You see it out here every day at practice, the way [Thibodeaux] goes about his business, the way he works," Bowen told the media, "He's intentional about what he does, studying tape, asking questions on guys, and taking advantage of opportunities."
Overall, it sounds like Bowen is incredibly impressed with the identity the pass rush trio is developing.
"I think with all these guys, they're taking advantage of opportunities when they get those one-on-ones and find ways," Bowen said to reporters, "The physicality is showing up with them as well. So, I'm pleased with what [Thibodeaux]'s done. He's impacted the game for us."
This Sunday, against the New Orleans Saints, presents another opportunity for the Giants' defense to make a statement. Facing a 0-4 squad presents the team with a chance to secure its second win of 2025.
