“First ballot hall of famer” – Sam Darnold connects with vintage Justin Jefferson for a 52-yard touchdown against Falcons, fans react

Sam Darnold's pass to Justin Jefferson helped him break the record for 7,000 receiving yards.

“First ballot hall of famer” – Sam Darnold connects with vintage Justin Jefferson for a 52-yard touchdown against Falcons, fans react

Justin Jefferson and Sam Darnold (Image Credits: L-via IMAGO, R-via SI)

In the words of one Geno Smith, “They wrote me off but I ain’t write back…” has been the recurring theme of Sam Darnold’s season as the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. The quarterback’s career has witnessed a resurgence as the team sits comfortably in the second spot of the NFC North.

The connection between Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson has been natural and the duo has made remarkable plays seem effortless. Tonight was no different as the Vikings went up against their former starting QB Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons.

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Justin Jefferson and Sam Darnold connected on a 52-yard touchdown pass with 3:40 seconds left in the third quarter. The play was on the verge of falling apart as the Falcons’ defensive line pressured the Vikings O-line. Despite the pocket protection collapsing, Darnold did not give up.

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Sam Darnold’s 52-yard throw to Justin Jefferson helped him accomplish an impressive feat

The quarterback stayed on his feet and found Justin Jefferson near the endzone. The wide receiver had managed to escape coverage and was wide open. He caught Darnold’s pass with relative ease before hopping into the endzone for a touchdown!

Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson (Image via IMAGO)

Justin Jefferson’s touchdown was special as it marked the perfect ending to him becoming the youngest player in NFL history to record 7,000 receiving yards. The 25-year-old accomplished the feat in just 73 games, the third-fewest in comparison to previous record holders. Fans were in awe of this duo and this is how they reacted to his touchdown on X:

It was just poetic to see him accomplish this feat in front of Kirk Cousins who was watching from the sidelines as the man who he used to throw the ball to until last season had now developed a strong connection with his replacement. Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson have truly made football exciting for the Minnesota Vikings fanbase despite the team losing its longtime quarterback in free agency.

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