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 celebrates a catch against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nailorheadl.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=720,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nailorheadl.jpg”><figcaption><span>Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) celebrates a catch against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>In the aftermath of the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, there has been a lot of talk about the Vikings not running the ball enough. That wasn’t the only lesson the Vikings need to learn, as Jalen Nailor shines a light on another issue with the Vikings’ offense.</p>
<p><strong><em>VikingsTerritory </em>looks at the lesson the Vikings offense should have learned from Jalen Nailor’s breakout performance in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens.</strong></p>
<p>Last Sunday was by far the most productive game of Nailor’s career, catching 5 of 6 targets for 124 receiving yards and a touchdown. It was Nailor’s first 100-receiving yards game, eclipsing his previous high of 89 yards against Green Bay in Week 17 of his rookie season back in 2022. The four-year receiver, nicknamed Speedy, has shown time and again that he can make plays.</p>
<h2>Jalen Nailor Exploded in Week 10</h2>
<p>In comparison to Nailor’s successful day, Minnesota’s top two wide receivers endured a difficult time. Justin Jefferson had a very uncharacteristic performance, catching just 4 of 12 targets for 37 yards and showing a perceived lack of effort.</p>
<p>Jefferson’s 33.33% catch success rate was well below what you would expect – around 60% throughout his career. Frustration clearly got the better of him on what was a day to forget, with two interceptions on balls intended for him.</p>
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think that is true, but it’s more than that. O’Connell needs to find balance in his offense.
That starts with running the ball more consistently, but will also involve more consistent involvement from TJ Hockenson, particularly short throws over the middle of the field, an element of the Vikings offense that goes missing as often as the run game.
Then there are the depth receivers like Nailor, who should be seeing more than a couple of looks a game on deep shots down the field. He is more talented than that. Also, Adam Thielen, whom Minnesota gave up fourth and fifth-round picks to bring home via a trade with Carolina.
 attempts to catch the ball against Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig (25) in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=666,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22079340.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22079340.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=666,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22079340.jpg” alt=”Vikings WR Jalen Nailor” ><figcaption>Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) attempts to catch the ball against Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig (25) in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Thielen only has 15 targets through nine games – catching seven for 63 yards – which doesn’t make sense for a player you gave up decent draft capital for. Then you have a third-round rookie in Tai Felton, who has one target this season, which he caught for a 9-yard gain. </p>
<p>It’s time the Vikings’ offense became more of a collaborative effort rather than an over-reliance on the top two WRs. It’s a lesson coach O’Connell should have learned over the last week.</p>
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Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
