In a fierce division of rivals in the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings have something they can easily hold over the heads of the Chicago Bears.
In Minnesota’s 34-28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night, Justin Jefferson recorded 11 receptions for 159 yards.
Thus pushing him over the 5,000 career-yard mark — putting him at 5,134 to be exact — and now having more receiving yards than any Bears receiver in the franchise’s 100-plus year history.
Surpassing the 5,000-yard mark at the age of just 24 years old was a feat in of itself, but the fact that it’s more than any Chicago receiver has ever had adds an entirely new dimension to it.
Johnny Morris is the Bears all-time leading receiver with 5,059 yards which he compiled over the course of 10 seasons in the NFL from 1958 to 1967.
Jefferson beat that in the second game of his fourth season.
It should go to show just how much the Bears as a franchise have struggled over the years.
And that’s not to take anything away from Jefferson’s career either.
He tied Hall of Famer Lance Alworth for the fewest games needed in NFL history to eclipse 5,000 yards.
Thursday’s loss also marked Jefferson’s fifth career game with 10 receptions and 150 receiving yards, which is now the most by a player under the age of 25.
Thursday wasn’t a perfect game for Jefferson.
He fumbled the ball into the end zone late in the first half which caused a touchback and eventually led to an Eagles field goal to end the half.
He had made 30-yard catch, but as he tried to dive for the end zone the ball came loose.
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