Max Brosmer: ‘Justin Jefferson is the Leader of This Team, and I’m Ready to Get Him the Ball’
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the second half of the season, rookie quarterback Max Brosmer is stepping into a pivotal role — one that will require him to not only lead the offense but also make sure that one of the league's most explosive players, Justin Jefferson, gets the ball in crucial moments. Brosmer, who has spent the early part of the season learning the ropes, now finds himself in a leadership position where his ability to connect with Jefferson and elevate the offense will be key to the Vikings’ success moving forward.
"Justin has been the leader of this team for a reason. He’s one of the best in the league, and as a quarterback, it’s my job to get him the ball in the best possible position,"
Jefferson, who has been nothing short of spectacular since entering the NFL, is undoubtedly the focal point of the Vikings’ offense. His ability to make game-changing plays, whether it's catching deep passes or making critical yards after the catch, has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. But for Jefferson to continue to perform at an elite level, he needs consistent and accurate throws — something Brosmer is eager to provide.
Building Chemistry with Jefferson
Brosmer's comments reflect a deep understanding of his role and the expectations placed on him. The Vikings' offense, which features a mix of veteran playmakers and young talent, will need to find its rhythm under Brosmer’s leadership. While the rookie has shown flashes of promise, connecting with Jefferson will be vital to his success. The two will need to quickly build a rapport, as the Vikings look to capitalize on Jefferson’s immense talent and the explosive potential of the offense.
Despite the challenges that come with being a rookie quarterback, Brosmer’s confidence in his ability to get Jefferson involved is a good sign. "I know I can get him the targets he deserves,"
A Team Effort
While much of the focus will be on Brosmer and Jefferson, football is a team sport, and Brosmer is well aware of the importance of his supporting cast. The offensive line, running backs, and other receivers will all play a crucial role in opening up opportunities for Jefferson. As the quarterback, Brosmer will need to work in sync with everyone on the offense to ensure that the entire unit is clicking.
Brosmer’s willingness to take responsibility and his understanding of the importance of getting Jefferson involved early and often shows a maturity beyond his years. Jefferson, who has been consistently one of the top receivers in the league, is a player who thrives on opportunity, and Brosmer is focused on making sure he gets those chances.
Looking Ahead
The road ahead for Brosmer will be challenging, but his determination and commitment to getting Jefferson the ball are clear. If he can build chemistry with Jefferson and keep the offense balanced, the Vikings have a good chance of making a strong push for the playoffs. The coming weeks will test Brosmer’s ability to execute under pressure, but with a player like Jefferson on his side, the sky's the limit for what they can accomplish together.
For the Vikings, the key to their success in the second half of the season lies in how well Brosmer can lead the offense, get the ball to Jefferson, and develop consistency in his play. If he can do that, the Vikings could be on the verge of a breakthrough season.
Evan McPherson nails six field goals as Bengals defeat Ravens 32-14 on Thanksgiving night
NFL seasons are a marathon and not a sprint. John Harbaugh's team will have to look in the mirror and regroup after an embarrassing 32-14 loss to the Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on Thanksgiving night. Baltimore turned the football over five times, with quarterback Lamar Jackson on the hook for three turnovers in one of his worst performances as a starter.
Joe Burrow threw two touchdown passes in his return to the lineup, and kicker Evan McPherson nailed six field goals on the evening to improve Cincinnati to 4-8 with a game against the Ravens in two weeks.
Second half
Joe Burrow responds
Andrei Iosivas' 29-yard touchdown catch puts Cincinnati ahead 26-14.
Ravens pull within five
Keaton Mitchell is the No. 2 running back with Justice Hill on Injured Reserve, and the running back put his explosive playmaking ability on display with this 18-yard catch and run for a score.
Bengals are starting to pull away
Cincinnati went ten plays and 61 yards, eating up 5:26 of the clock before Joe Burrow connected with Tanner Hudson on a 14-yard TD catch over Ravens' All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton.
Second quarter
DeAndre Hopkins makes history
Isaiah Likely
It looked like the Ravens' athletic tight end had his first score of the season before losing the ball before he broke the plane, and it went out of the back of the end zone.
First quarter
Ravens quickly take a 7-3 lead
Baltimore went seven plays and 69 yards before Derrick Henry went 28 yards for the lead, taking a touchdown.
Bengals take 3-0 lead
With Joe Burrow back in the lineup, the Bengals went ten plays, 51 yards, and ate up almost six minutes of clock before taking a 3-0 lead on an Evan McPherson 31-yard field goal. Burrow was 4-6 for 34 yards on his first drive back.
Pregame activities
Lil Jon is in the building
Famous rapper and producer Lil Jon will perform at halftime of the Ravens-Bengals Thanksgiving night game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Joe Burrow is back
The Bengals are 3-8, and while their playoff hopes have all but evaporated, they'll welcome Joe Burrow back to the lineup on Thanksgiving night against the Baltimore Ravens.
Burrow has been efficient against Baltimore, but his defense has let him down. In his last two games against the Ravens, both losses, Burrow is 64 of 95 passing for 820 yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception.
How to watch Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Game day: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Game time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Stadium: M&T Bank Stadium
TV channel: NBC
Live stream: Peackock (Watch Now!)
Live stream: FuboTV (Watch Now!)
Watch Ravens vs. Bengals on FuboTV
Ravens vs. Bengals betting information.
NFL odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Sunday at 9:31 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Spread: Ravens (-5.5)
Moneyline: Ravens (-235), Bengals (+195)
Over/Under: 49.5
Who are the announcers for Week 13 vs. the Bengals?
Announcers: Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Jason Garrett (analyst), and Melissa Stark (sideline)
TV Watch Map
Ravens vs. Bengals is a national television broadcast.
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