Brisker’s Bold Claim About Jefferson’s Tears
Bears safety Jaquan Brisker has stirred up some conversation by claiming that he made Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson cry during their matchup in 2022. The assertion, however, raises eyebrows, especially when juxtaposed against the statistical performance Jefferson delivered that day.
The Context of Brisker’s Assertion
Speaking to reporters recently, Brisker recounted an incident from his rookie season, stating, “You can ask Kendall Fuller, he was our corner, and I was talking a lot of trash to Justin Jefferson, and he was crying.” This verbal exchange supposedly took place during the second half of a game held at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 9, 2022, where the Bears faced off against the Vikings.
Jefferson’s Dominance on the Field
To understand the validity of Brisker’s claim, one must look at the box score from that game. Jefferson had an impressive outing, recording 12 receptions on 13 targets for a staggering 154 yards, leading the Vikings to a 29-22 victory over Chicago. Notably, Jefferson’s first half was particularly electrifying; he racked up 10 catches for 138 yards, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier receivers.
Examining the Second Half
Brisker pointed out that after his trash-talking, Jefferson’s performance took a downturn, claiming that the wide receiver “dropped like every ball” in the latter half of the game. However, a closer inspection of the statistics tells a different story. Despite Brisker’s assertion, the game records indicate that Jefferson was targeted 13 times, catching 12 passes overall. If he only dropped one ball, it contradicts Brisker’s narrative of a significant decline.
Conclusion on Brisker’s Claims
While Brisker’s confidence and competitive spirit are commendable, the statistics present a compelling counterpoint to his assertion. Jefferson’s performance, particularly in the first half, left little room for doubt about his prowess on the field. Whether or not Brisker’s trash talk had any effect on Jefferson remains a topic of debate, but the numbers suggest that the Vikings star was far from rattled during their encounter.
