Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints
Jefferson, Jones and Murray all produce to help the unbeaten Vikings top the slumping Saints 23-13
NEW ORLEANS -- — Justin Jefferson's resolve to overcome an ankle injury and take the field in his hometown produced a gratifying payoff for himself and the Minnesota Vikings.
The four-time Pro Bowl receiver out of LSU “was living in the training room just trying to make sure he could do everything he could to give himself a chance," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. “We worked him out before the game and he was ready.”
Jefferson highlighted his return to the lineup with a leaping touchdown catch over multiple defenders, Aaron Jones made up for an early fumble with a pivotal, fourth-quarter touchdown and the Vikings remained unbeaten with a 23-13 victory over the slumping New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
“All of my friends and family were here,” said a beaming Jefferson, whose eagerness to speak with reporters was evident in the way he quickly emerged from the locker room — still in uniform — before even O'Connell took questions.
“A touchdown to celebrate and to get a victory here, I couldn’t ask for more,” Jefferson said.
Will Reichard made all three of his field-goal attempts from 40 or more yards for the Vikings (5-0), including a 55-yarder to put Minnesota up 10 in the fourth quarter and all but doom the Saints (1-4) to a third straight loss — all in the Superdome.
“You only get so many games at home in front of this crowd, who consistently shows up," Saints center Erik McCoy said.
Jones' first-half fumble, after which he limped off, favoring his left knee, led to New Orleans' only offensive points on Kendre Miller's 2-yard run in the second quarter. But the Vikings' leading rusher returned to finish with 113 yards rushing on 25 carries.
Jefferson, who sat out Week 4 with an ankle injury, caught six passes for 79 yards from Kyler Murray, who threw for 229 yards and a TD without a turnover and also scrambled for 51 yards.
Led by their blitz-happy defense, the Vikings came in allowing an NFL-low 12.8 points per game. In addition to allowing only one offensive TD, they forced three turnovers and held New Orleans to 142 total yards.
“When you do something like that, it's a special feeling and a special defense,” said cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who intercepted Saints QB Tyler Shough twice.
Saints safety Jonas Sanker returned a fumble 87 yards for New Orleans’ other TD, briefly tying the score at 13 in the third quarter.
Saints second-year coach Kellen Moore, who designs and calls offensive plays, said he “felt like we had a plan" for Minnesota's defensive pressure.
“Obviously, the plan wasn’t good enough,” Moore continued. "That’s on me.”
Before Shough's interceptions, New Orleans lost a fumble — and ultimately, a 7-6 halftime lead — when returner Jayden Price was stripped on the kickoff to open the second half.
“We’ve got to learn how to not lose the game before we win it,” said Shough, who was held to 96 yards passing. “We’ve got to not shoot ourselves in the foot.”
Minnesota recovered Price's fumble on the Saints 37 and cashed in when Jefferson came down with Murray's 15-yard scoring pass behind three defenders in the back of the end zone.
“It was just Kyler giving me the opportunity to go up and make a play,” Jeffersons said. “I definitely wasn’t the most open, but it was a tremendous throw.”
Jefferson, who won a national title with LSU in the Superdome, had returned only once since his NFL career began — as a rookie in 2020, with attendance restricted by social distancing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So, it wasn’t the whole stadium; it was a couple thousand,” Jefferson noted. “To be back and feel the energy and feel the love from our fans and the Saints fans and the people who grew up watching me at LSU, it was definitely a cool moment.”
Retired Saints QB Drew Brees was honored with a ring ceremony at halftime — and also had his name unveiled in the team's Ring of Honor, which encircles the upper deck.
Brees received a rousing ovation as he was introduced on the field, wearing his gold Hall of Fame jacket, and presented his ring by Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be able to represent this city, this community, this fan base and our organization,” Brees said. “I will always love you, New Orleans. I will always represent you.”
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson was helped off the field after hitting his head hard on the turf while being tackled during a 7-yard catch.
Vikings: Enter their bye week before hosting Indianapolis on Oct. 25.
Saints: Visit the New York Giants next Sunday.
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