The difference between a touchdown and a touchback can be dangerously close, which Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson learned the hard way.
The difference between a touchdown and a touchback can be dangerously close, which Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson learned the hard way during Thursday night’s game against the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Jefferson, 24, looked as though he was about to put the Vikings ahead at the end of the first half when Kirk Cousins hit Jefferson for a 30-yard pass. But as Jefferson ran toward the goal line and was tackled, he lost control of the ball and fumbled it out of bounds into the end zone. The officials huddled to decide on the call and ultimately, after it was reviewed, they ruled that it was a touchback because the ball had been fumbled inside the pylon and thus out of the end zone, ending a 74-yard drive in disastrous fashion with just 33 seconds left on the clock in the half.
To make matters worse, after the Eagles got the ball back, they converted on a 61-yard field goal before halftime to pad their lead to 13-7.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Vikings' Justin Jefferson pushed teammates -- and himself -- amid contract talksThere was no 'hold-in' at camp for Jefferson while negotiating. Instead, he unleashed his repertoire on the defense so everyone could get better.
Read more »
Ron Jaworski's Eagles Week 2 preview: Can Eagles continue success vs Justin Jefferson, Vikings?The Eagles host the Vikings in the home opener at the Linc, hoping to put forth a better showing after a close call in Week 1. Ron Jaworski breaks down the matchups that could decide the game and predicts the winner in this week's Three and Out.
Read more »
Justin Jefferson trade: Explaining the speculation around the Vikings starThe Minnesota Vikings have an all-world talent in Justin Jefferson. Some, however, have wondered about the possibility of trading the receiver.
Read more »
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson falls victim to the NFL's dumbest rule when he fumblesThe NFL's rule on what to do about a fumble that goes out of bounds in the end zone will never make sense, no matter how many times we see it.
Read more »
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson falls victim to the NFL's dumbest rule when he fumblesThe NFL's rule on what to do about a fumble that goes out of bounds in the end zone will never make sense, no matter how many times we see it.
Read more »
Vikings' Justin Jefferson fumbles into end zone for touchback as NFL rule enrages fansMinnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson fumbled the ball into the end zone for a touchback and fans were unhappy with the NFL rules regarding the specific instance.
Read more »