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          Darnold hits Jefferson for electric 97-yard Vikings TD

          • Kevin Seifert, ESPN Staff WriterSep 15, 2024, 06:00 PM
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              Kevin Seifert is a staff writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. Kevin has covered the NFL for over 20 years, joining ESPN in 2008. He was previously a beat reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Washington Times. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia. You can follow him via Twitter @SeifertESPN.
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          Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson has given new quarterback Sam Darnold a simple two-word set of instructions this season: Trust me.

          Darnold did just that Sunday while throwing from his own end zone, hitting Jefferson deep downfield against double coverage and then watching as Jefferson turned it into a 97-yard touchdown pass.

          Jefferson got behind safeties Ji'Ayir Brown and George Odom, hauled in the pass at the 49ers' 45-yard line and then pivoted and outraced Brown and Odom to the end zone.

          The play gave the Vikings a 10-0 lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.

          It was a career-long reception for Jefferson. It was also the second-longest play in Vikings history and the longest play by a Vikings player since receiver Bernard Berrian caught a 99-yard touchdown from Gus Frerotte in Week 13 of the 2008 season.